Johnny closed in and gave the Messerschmitt 109 another burst. For a second it stopped in mid-air and then hurtled earthwards in a trail of flame. In over 400 operations and countless dogfights, Johnny Checketts destroyed 14 enemy fighters and damaged many more.
Johnny Checketts is remembered as one of New ZealandâÂÂs bravest and most highly decorated fighter aces of World War II.
Fighter Pilot: The adventures of Johnny Checketts tells the story of his early years in Invercargill, his pilot training near Christchurch, his life as a fighter pilot in Europe and his extraordinary feats of bravery during World War II.
Johnny was shot down twice over the English Channel and spent months on the run from the Nazis in France. He was a true war hero whose life and adventures are vividly captured in this heroic tale.
The book can be found here.