Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The mounted group of eight miniature dress medals worn by Wing Commander J. C. Freeborn, D.F.C. and Bar, the famous Battle of Britain fighter ace

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar; 1939-45 Star, clasp, Battle of Britain; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, Atlantic; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Poland, Virtute Militari, Silver Cross; United States of America, Air Medal, with cluster, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine

To be sold with:
The recipient’s original Air Ministry Certificate of Competency and Licence to Fly Private Flying Machines, dated 28 February 1938, with portrait photograph, and his No. 74 (Tiger) Squadron tie, the whole contained in an old leather case with gilt initials ‘J. C. F.’ and ‘Bro. J. C. Freeborn, Defence Lodge 1221’ to front, in good overall condition (Lot) £1200-1500

Freeborn’s remarkable wartime career needs little introduction here, not least since the Lot is accompanied by a signed copy of his biography, A Tiger’s Tale, by Bob Cossey, and a bound copy of his combat reports, with signed presentation inscription; so, too, by a selection of photographs, including one of him wearing the above described set of miniatures.

But by way of summary, he first went into action over Dunkirk in May 1940 as a Flying Officer in Spitfires No. 74 (Tiger) Squadron, claiming at least two “kills” in the same month, a score to which he rapidly added during the Battle of Britain and, when finally rested in early 1941, he had been with the squadron longer than any other Battle of Britain pilot and flown more operational hours. He had also been forced to carry out at least one crash-landing and taken to his parachute on one occasion during the Battle. Awarded the D.F.C. in August 1940 and a Bar in February 1941, his score then stood at 11 and two shared destroyed, in addition to numerous ‘probables’ and damaged. He later commanded No. 602 and No. 118 Squadrons, prior to being appointed Wing Commander Flying of 286 Wing in Italy.