Johnny Checketts | |
|---|---|
 Checketts in November 1943, when he commanded the Air-to-Air Combat Squadron of the Central Gunnery School at Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire. | |
| Nickname(s) | Johnny |
| Born | 20 February 1912 Invercargill, New Zealand |
| Died | 21 April 2006 (aged 94) Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Service | Royal New Zealand Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1955 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Commands | RNZAF Taieri Station RNZAF Laucala Bay Horne Wing No. 1 Squadron RAF No. 485 (New Zealand) Squadron |
| Battles / wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross Silver Star (United States) Cross of Valour (Poland) |
John Milne Checketts, DSO, DFC (20 February 1912 – 21 April 2006) was a New Zealand flying ace of the Second World War, who was credited with the destruction of 14+1⁄2 enemy aircraft, three probably destroyed and 11 damaged.
Born in Invercargill, Checketts worked as a mechanic before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in October 1940. After completing his flight training he was sent to the United Kingdom to serve with the Royal Air Force. From January 1942, he flew with No. 485 (NZ) Squadron before being posted to No. 611 Squadron. He returned to No. 485 Squadron in August 1943 as its commander but two months later was shot down over occupied France. He was returned to the United Kingdom by the French Resistance. He later commanded a wing carrying out operations in support of the D-Day landings and escorting heavy bombers on raids into Germany.
Checketts remained in the RNZAF after the war, commanding air bases in New Zealand and Fiji. Returning to civilian life in 1954, he set up an aerial topdressing company and later undertook conservation work. He died in 2006, aged 94.