SPITFIRE SQUADRON
NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN COMMANDER TAKEN PRISONER Squadron Leader John M. Checketts, D.F.C., of Invercargill, who was reported on Saturday as wounded and a prisoner of war after having been on the missing list for a few weeks, was the commanding officer of the New Zealand Spitfire Squadron. He was
described recently by Wing Commander Alan Deere, D. 5.0., D.F.C. and bar, as being among the best leaders the squadron has had. Although he has been on active service for a long period, Squadron Leader Checketts was fairly slow in becoming prominent as a first-class fighter pilot, and it has been only in, recent months that he has soared swiftly to success. The latest London advice about him was that he had shot down 10 German aircraft. Four were shot down in July. One of his earlier experiences was being shot down over the English Channel during an air battle toward the beginning of last year. He parachuted from only 800 ft and was rescued from the sea by a naval ship.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 25365, 25 October 1943, Page 2
Word Count
173SPITFIRE SQUADRON Otago Daily Times, Issue 25365, 25 October 1943, Page 2
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