Join us for the unveiling of our 209 blue plaque to honour Wing Commander John Connell Freeborn DFC
We are proud to recognise the extraordinary service of John Freeborn, one of the RAF’s most outstanding pilots during the Battle of Britain. Born in Leeds in 1919, he flew more operational hours during the Battle than any other pilot and became one of its youngest aces, credited with five confirmed enemy aircraft destroyed.
The plaque will be unveiled as part of the city celebrations for Armed Forces Day, which is taking place on Sunday 28 June, 11:00 – 16:00.
The plaque will be placed on the main stage, which is located on Briggate near Flannels and will be unveiled after the parade, which starts at 11am.
After the unveiling, we will be taking the plaque to a stall for the rest of the day, giving people the chance to see it up close and learn more about WC John Freeborn.
You do not need to register to attend this event.
For further information on the Armed Forces Day event and activities, head to leedsafd.co.uk
More information on Wing Commander John Connell Freeborn DFC
During the Battle, he flew Spitfires in some of the fiercest fighting of the war, including Dunkirk, where he was forced down in France and evaded capture by German forces for three days before reaching safety. On 11 August 1940, he was scrambled four times in just eight hours, shooting down three enemy aircraft in a single day.
For his courage and skill in combat, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice while still serving during the war.
Useful Information
Date: Saturday 28 June 2026
Time: The plaque will be unveiled on the main stage after the parade, which starts at 11am.
Location: The plaque will be unveiled on the main stage, which will be located on Briggate near the Flannels shop. After the unveiling, the plaque will be displayed on a stall where you can see it up close.
Registration: You do not need to register to attend this blue plaque unveiling. Free, no booking required.
