The Chequer Board

**The Chequer Board** is a novel by Nevil Shute, first published in the United Kingdom in 1947 by William Heinemann Ltd. The novel deals fairly with the question of racism within the US forces during World War II and portrays black characters with great sympathy and support.

This article by: Wikipedia contributors, "The Chequer Board," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Chequer_Board&oldid=735628011

**Plot summary** It is a multi-part story telling of the experience of one John (Jackie) Turner, whom the doctors have given just one year to live due to injuries sustained in a WWII plane crash. Turner decides to use his remaining time to trace the men he got to know while recovering in hospital.

The men were: Flying Officer Phillip Morgan: the plane's British pilot. Corporal Duggie Brent: a young British Commando, accused of murder. Pfc Dave Lesurier: a black American serviceman, accused of attempted rape, in hospital after cutting his own throat while being pursued.

As the story unfolds, we learn that charges against Lesurier were dropped after an Army investigation and that he later returned to the English town near which he was stationed during the war. He marries the girl he was courting and becomes a draughtsman.

Brent is acquitted of murder but served six months for manslaughter after a brilliantly defended court-martial. He is later found living close to Lesurier and working as a meat vendor.