Leeds Civic Trust was delighted to unveil its 209th plaque as part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations on Briggate to recognise the contribution of Leeds-born fighter pilot John Freeborn DFC*
One of the functions of our blue plaques scheme is to shine a light on stories that might otherwise pass people by, and by unveiling the plaque as part of such a public occasion, witnessed by several hundred people and broadcast on BBC Radio Leeds, we left the unveiling event of our blue plaque for Wing Commander John Freeeborn DFC* knowing that far more people knew about his achievements in the Second World War.
Freeborn was born in Middleton and brought up on Broomfield Crescent in Headingley (where the plaque will ultimately be situated). What impresses is how young he was when he joined the RAF and saw active service in WW2. He was shooting down enemy aircraft at the age of 21 and became the RAF’s youngest Wing Commander at the age of 25. He saw action in the Battle of Britain and flew more operational hours than any other pilot. By the end of the war, he was entitled to call himself a flying “ace” having shot down more than 5 planes. He himself was shot down during the defence of Dunkirk in 1940. He retired shortly after the war but continued to share his stories into old age.
As always, we are grateful for the nominator, his friend Adrian Cork, and sponsorship from the Cork Family, The Battle of Britain Historical Society, The 74 (f) Tiger Squadron Association, the Merseyside Few and former Councillor Jonathan Pryor for their kind support.
Martin Hamilton – Director, Leeds Civic Trust
