By April 1945, with the war in Europe nearly over, Checketts sought a transfer to the Pacific Theatre of Operations so that he could fly with the RNZAF against the Japanese. This was declined and he instead was sent to the Empire Central Flying School in Wiltshire. This was considered to be a "university of flying", and when he graduated in August 1945 it was with a "Distinguished Pass". The war against Japan had ended and the RNZAF ordered him home for repatriation. He arrived back in New Zealand on 1 October 1945, having travelled there via Canada, the United States and Fiji. His reception at Auckland included a large press contingent.
