Wing Commander John Connell Freeborn DFC & Bar
“War stories can contain a mix of tragedy and triumph and Freeborn’s formidable record was also tinged with controversy and regret”
Wing Commander John Freeborn held the distinction of flying more operational hours during the Battle of Britain than any other RAF pilot. However, as is so often the case, war stories can contain a mix of tragedy and triumph and Freeborn’s formidable record during World War Two was also tinged with controversy and regret.
The pilot had a general disdain for authority and this led to a series of clashes with his superiors during a distinguished career that twice saw his bravery being recognised with the award of a prestigious gallantry medal. Later in his life, he helped an author to co-write his biography.
Freeborn was undoubtedly one of those whom Winston Churchill was referring to in his famous speech of August 20, 1940, when he said: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
I feel privileged that, as part of my medal collection, I am the custodian of his medal group, for we must never forget the bravery of “the Few”.
Born on December 1, 1919, John Connell Freeborn was the son of a Leeds banker.
