Bay Harbour: March 08, 2017

PAGE 20 BAY HARBOUR Latest Christchurch news at www. .kiwi
Wednesday March 8 2017
News
Ace pilot’s spitfire engine on display
AN AIRCRAFT engine, which
lay buried in northern France
for more than 70 years, has come
halfway around the world to be
delivered to the homeland of its
pilot.
The Rolls Royce Merlin engine,
which belonged to an Mk.IXB
spitfire flown
by renowned
Invercargillborn
fighter ace
Johnny Checketts,
has arrived
at its new home
at the Air Force
Johnny
Checketts
Museum of
New Zealand in
Wigram.
Checketts son, Chris Checketts,
was with museum staff to
meet it.
The engine has a remarkable
story to tell, stretching back to
the height of World War 2.
On September 6, 1943, Checketts
and his fellow spitfire pilots
of No 485 (NZ) Squadron RAF
took off on a mission to escort 72
RAF bombers to their target in
France.
They were intercepted and
attacked by 20 German FW 190
fighters and, in the ensuing dogfight,
Checketts’ spitfire was hit.
There was an explosion and
SPITFIRE: The Rolls Royce Merlin engine and propeller hub at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. The engine came from
squadron leader Johnny Checketts’ spitfire, which he flew during World War 2.
the cockpit filled with flames.
Checketts was badly burned but
managed to bail out, landing
safely in a field, while his spitfire
ploughed into the ground.
He was safely hidden with a
French family and his wounds
treated.
With help from the French Resistance,
Checketts evaded capture
for nearly two months and
safely made it back to England.
He passed away in Christchurch
in 2006 after serving as a
volunteer guide at the Air Force
Museum for a number of years.
In March 2015, French aviation
enthusiast group Somme
Aviation 39-45 uncovered the
remains of Checketts’ spitfire,
aided by the accurate memories
of local man André Bonvarlet
who, as a teenager, had witnessed
the spitfire crash and had seen
him bail out.
The complete Merlin engine,
together with numerous other
aircraft parts, was excavated
from beneath 3.5m of soil. Pierre
Ben and his team then began the
process of cleaning and restoring
the engine, which was encrusted
with clay and dirt.
Mr Ben contacted Chris in
Christchurch about the possibility
of sending the engine to New
Zealand.
Thanks to support from Mainfreight,
the engine was shipped
here. Chris then donated it to the
museum.
Through the efforts of Mr Ben
and his team, the museum now
has an enduring tribute to one
of the most famous Kiwi fighter
aces of World War 2.
Visitors will be able to view the
engine when it goes on public
display this month. Chris said he
felt “quite emotional” at encountering
such a tangible link to his
late father.
HEAT PUMP
SALE NOW ON!
Amazin’ autumn Specials!!
• We will offer you the best quality brands and
option of heat pump for your home/business
• Providing Heat Pump solutions for over 14 years to Cantabrians
• We personally guarantee all our products & installs for 5 years
(providing annual maintenance has been completed)
Phone us today for your free consultation & quote
41A SHAKESPEARE RD, WALTHAM
PHONE 03 366 0525
www.enviromaster.co.nz
“A local team for local people”
E-Bike Business Opportunity
We are an established business specialising in
electric bikes. We are expanding nationwide
through Licensees. Licensees have an
exclusive Territory, together with access to
the top international e-bike products for which
we hold exclusive NZ rights. Licensees
operate their own e-bike retail shop and also
have the opportunity to offer rentals and
tours, depending on their interests and the
local market opportunity. We offer Licensees
a complete business model and ongoing input
and support. Our philosophy is simple: if you
succeed, we succeed.
We are looking for a Licensee in Christchurch.
We think this is a great opportunity for
someone to own and run their own business,
but have the support of a network and a
nationwide brand.
You will enjoy interacting with people and
have a great customer-first attitude. You will
be passionate about your region, have a
positive attitude and great life experience.
You will be able to invest at least $50,000 in
establishing your business.
Apply for information. Include your LinkedIn profile/current CV and your mobile number.
freerangeinvestments@gmail.com
E-Bike
Business
Opportunity
Breaking news,
delivered to your pocket.
•news •CTV •sport •districts •schools •lifestyle •opinion •what’s on
Visit www.star.kiwi
anytime, anywhere!
• Licensee so
• Own and op
shop, plus r
• Be your own
support of a
Fire rages, homes at risk
www.star.kiwi