John Freeborn

John Connell Freeborn, DFC & Bar (1 December 1919 – 28 August 2010) was a fighter pilot and flying ace in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War.

For the Canadian politician, see John Willard Freeborn.

John Connell Freeborn
Squadron Leader John Freeborn, c. 1944
Born(1919-12-01)1 December 1919
Middleton, Yorkshire
Died28 August 2010(2010-08-28) (aged 90)
Southport, Merseyside
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service/branchRoyal Air Force
Years of service1938–1948
RankWing commander
Service number70854
UnitNo. 74 Squadron RAF
No. 602 Squadron RAF
Commands heldNo. 118 Squadron RAF
No. 286 Wing RAF
Battles/warsSecond World War
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross & Bar
Other workRegional Director for Minster Minerals soft drinks
Author

In 1939, he shot down another RAF fighter in a friendly-fire incident that marked the first death of an RAF fighter pilot in the war, as well as the first aircraft shot down by a Supermarine Spitfire. The following year, he flew more operational hours than any other RAF pilot during the Battle of Britain.

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