Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Unit:

No. 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

January 8th, 1943

Recommendation: (drafted by the Officer Commanding, Station Oakington, 7 December 1942 when he had flown 15 sorties (75 hours 57 minutes).

Sortie list and submission as follows:
- 23 June 1942 - St. Nazaire (2.24) // - 24 June 1942 - St. Nazaire (5.05) // - 25 June 1942 - Bremen (5.02) // - 29 June 1942 - Bremen (5.11) // - 16 July 1942 - Lubeck (6.59) // - 19 July 1942 - Vegasack (4.50) // - 25 July 1942 - Duisburg (3.54) // - 28 July 1942 - Hamburg (3.49( // - 31 July 1942 - Dusseldorf (4.20) // - 15 August 1942 - Dusseldorf (4.50) // - 18 August 1942 - Flensburg (5.35) // - 24 August 1942 - Frankfurt (6.03) // - 2 September 1942 - Karlsruhe (6.02, Pathfinder Force) // - 4 September 1942 - Bremen (5.59, Pathfinder Force) // - 8 September 1942 - Frankfurt (5.54, Pathfinder Force).

"This officer was the navigator in the crew of Stirling W.7630 which took part in the raid on Dusseldorf on the night of 10/11 September 1942. Whilst over the target the aircraft was hit by flak and burst into flames which rendered the inter-com unserviceable. With great courage and presence of mind, Flying Officer Freburg gathered five of the crew together, assisted them with their parachutes and conducted their escapes from the aircraft, finally baling out himself when they were clear. He landed just outside Dusseldorf and hid until the “All Clear” was sounded, then made his way from the area. During his escape to this country, he showed great determination and the will to win through and he is recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. "

This recommendation was endorsed by Group Captain Bennett (Commanding Pathfinder Force) on 17 December 1942 and approved by Air Marshal Sir Arthur Harris on 23 December 1942.