THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

CHECKETTS John Milne

NZ403602, Acting Wing Commander, WW2

70023, Wing Commander

Honorary Aide-de-Camp to HE the Governor General of New Zealand 17 June 1946 to 16 June 1947 & 2 December 1952 to 1 December 1953

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 3 November 1943

Squadron Leader Checketts has displayed courage, fortitude and skill of a high order. He has taken part in a very large number of sorties and has

proved his skill in many combats, having destroyed at least eleven enemy aircraft; he has also caused the destruction of two boats. By his exceptional

keenness and fine fighting spirit, Squadron Leader Checketts has proved a source of inspiration to all.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 13 August 1943

This officer has led the squadron and, occasions the wing, with great skill.  He has invariably displayed great keenness to engage the enemy and has

destroyed two enemy aircraft and damaged several more.  In addition he has destroyed two E-boats and successfully attacked military installations

Cross of Valour (Poland)

Gazetted 6 July 1945

-Not available-

A 1946 letter from Air Marshal Izycki, KCB, AOC for the Polish Air Force, when forwarding the certificate for the Cross of Valour, commented “It is a

fine record and we are proud  to count you amongst the Aces of the Polish Air Force.”

In 1943, Wing Commander CHECKETTS was formally made an honorary member of the Free French Air Force and presented with their ‘Wings’.  In 1944, he was made a member of 303 (Polish) Squadron and formally presented with the Polish Flying Badge with Green Wreath.  He then became an honorary member of the Free Polish Air Force.

Silver Star (USA)

Gazetted 1 February 1945

For gallantry in action against the enemy while participating in many fighter sorties over enemy occupied territory.  Now in his third operational tour, and leader of a Spitfire Wing, Acting Wing Commander CHECKETTS has destroyed eleven enemy aircraft, probably destroyed three more, and damaged four others.  During the sixty missions in which he has flown fighter escort for the United States Army Air Force bombers, only two bombers have been lost in spite of heavy fighter opposition.  The courage, aggressiveness and skill displayed by Acting Wing Commander CHECKETTS reflect highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Distinguished Flying Cross

1939-45 Star

Air Crew Europe Star

       France and Germany

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

New Zealand Defence Service Medal

Regular

Cross of Valour (Poland)

Silver Star (USA)

NOTES

Born 20 February 1912, Invercargill, New Zealand

Died 21 April 2006 Christchurch, New Zealand