Johnny Checketts
| John Milne Checketts | |
|---|---|
J M Checketts in November 1943, when he commanded the Air-to-Air Combat Squadron of the Central Gunnery School at Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire.
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| Nickname(s) | Johnny |
| Born |
20 February 1912 Invercargill, New Zealand |
| Died | 21 April 2006 (aged 94) Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Service/branch | Royal New Zealand Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940-1955 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross Silver Star (United States) Cross of Valour (Poland) |
Wing Commander John "Johnny" Milne Checketts, DSO, DFC (20 February 1912 – 21 April 2006) was a New Zealand World War II flying ace, who destroyed 14½ enemy aircraft, had 3 probables and damaged 11. He was shot–down twice – once over the English Channel, when he was rescued from the sea by the Royal Navy, and once over occupied France, when he was returned to the United Kingdom by the French Resistance.
Checketts was born in Invercargill on 20 February 1912 and was educated at the Invercargill South School and Southland Technical College, where he studied engineering before undertaking an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic.
Checketts joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in October 1940, at the age of 28. He graduated from his flying course in June 1941 as a Pilot Officer and was posted to the United Kingdom. After converting to Spitfires, Checketts joined 485(NZ) Squadron in November 1941. On 12 February 1942 the unit took part in operations over the English Channel during the German Operation Cerberus, when the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau made a high–speed dash from Brest to reach safety in German ports.
On 4 May 1942, Checketts was shot down and bailed out over the channel and was rescued from his dinghy by the Royal Navy. In June 1942 he was posted to "Sailor" Malan's gunnery school before continuing to 611 Squadron based at Biggin Hill in January 1943. Checketts was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and given command of A Flight in April. On 30 May 1943 he shot down a Fw 190 5 to 8 miles (8 to 13 km) south–east of Trouville, Seine-Maritime.
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