Watch: Spitfire pilot John Freeborn's story
John Freeborn was a 19 year old Spitfire pilot when war was declared on 3rd September 1939. Three days later, he found his squadron being scrambled into the air. In the confusion, he shot down one of his own, earning the unwanted distinction of being the first pilot of WWII with a 'kill'. The Hurricane aircraft shot down in the 'Battle of Barking Creek' is also the first ever 'plane to be shot down by a Spitfire.
John went onto attain the rank of Wing Commander. A distinguished airman, he flew more operational hours in the Battle of Britain than any other pilot. But he still thinks about his mistake every day. Lucy Siegle met a brave man who made a deadly error. Watch the film here:
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I served under Wing Commander Freeborn for a few years and found Him always to be an Officer and a Gentleman.
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I spent a lot of time with John writing his book "Tiger Cub" - which tells his story as a 'Battle of Britain' Spitfire fighter pilot. John is a true hero of mine and a dear friend.
Leon, what squadron did you serve in?
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