Francis Checketts was born 1865 at Besford, Worcester, son of Joseph and Eliza Checketts who own and ran a 680 acre farm at Besford.

Francis Checketts was educated at "All Saints School", Bloxham, Oxfordshire. In his early 20's he worked with his father managing the family farm.

He was commissioned in to the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Worcestershire Regiment on the 25th December 1895.

Promotted to rank of Captain on the 7th December 1898.

On the 28th March 1900 he was granted the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the Army whilst serving with the Volunteer Company in South Africa.

Granted the temporary rank of Captain in the Army whilst serving with the Volunteer Company in South Africa 9th June 1900 to 21st February 1901.

He was mentioned in despatches on the 29th July 1902 for his service in South Africa.

Promotted to Major on the 8th August 1903.

On the 31st March 1908 he resigned his commission as Major (honorary Captain in the Army) in the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Worcestershire Regiment.

The 8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment was formed on the 1st April 1908 as a Territorial volunteer battalion. This battalion was made up of men from the old Worcestershire Rifle Volunteer Corps, which had been established in 1860 (these Rifle Volunteer Corps had become the 2nd Volunteer Battalion by 1883). The then Major Francis Checketts became one of the early members of the Worcestershire Territorial Association and was very much involved in the administration and running of the new Territorial Battalion.

Lieut.-Col. F. Checketts