Johnny Checketts, New Zealand commander and pilot (b. 1912)
John Milne Checketts, (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.
2006Apr, 21
Johnny Checketts
Choose Another Date
Events on 2006
- 4Jan
Ariel Sharon
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel suffers a second, apparently more serious stroke. His authority is transferred to acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. - 21Mar
Twitter
The social media site Twitter is founded. - 11Apr
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announces Iran's claim to have successfully enriched uranium. - 5Jun
State Union of Serbia and Montenegro
Serbia declares independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. - 29Jun
Guantanamo Bay detention camp
Hamdan v. Rumsfeld: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that President George W. Bush's plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violates U.S. and international law.