Devon Cricket Board - Devon cricketer who flew Spitfires dies at 91

Devon cricketer who flew Spitfires dies at 91

That’s out! Leo Lowson whips the bails off playing for Plymouth

FORMER Devon cricketer and fighter pilot Leo Lowson, who died in February this year aged 91, was one of a number of wicketkeepers who played for the county during the 1950s.

Lowson was a handy batsman as well as a keeper. During 14 seasons with Plymouth – 1946-1959 – Lowson totted up more than 4,200 runs. His best summer was 1955 when he broke the 1,000-run mark.

Lowson made the first of 11 appearances for Devon in 1950 against Glamorgan 2nd XI at Rodney Parade in Newport. His last match was against Cornwall on familiar territory at Peverell Park in 1959

Devon had a number of wicketkeepers at that time – Stuart Mountford, Alex Holladay, Cecil Cook, Jon Bonner, Charles Taylor and Doug Medway were among those who had a go – which limited Lowson’s opportunites.

Lowson’s top score for Devon was 52 against Cornwall in 1951 at Penzance.

Leo Edward Lowson was born in Plymouth in 1920 and educated at Tamar School.

He worked in Devonport Dockyard after leaving school, but when war broke out in September 1939 Lowson enlisted in the RAF.

Lowson went to the United States to train as a pilot and later flew Spitfires and Hurricanes at home and overseas.

Peter Lowson, Leo’s twin brother, enlisted in the Merchant Navy. He died on October 8, 1942 when his ship, the steamer Clan Mactavish, was sunk by a German U-boat 100 miles off Cape Town.

When the war ended Leo Lowson went into teacher training. His first post was at Laira Green Secondary School. Subsequently, the taught at Prince Rock Secondary Modern School, where he retired as head teacher in 1983.

Lowson devoted his adult life to teaching, although he was offered the chance to play cricket professionally.

“Nottinghamshire asked him if we would like to play professionally, but cricket wasn’t a full-time job then and he was a teacher with a good job,” said son Peter.

Former Plymouth team-mates John Stevens, Peter Vittle and Chris Uren were among the mourners at Lowson’s funeral, which was held at Weston Mill Crematorium in Plymouth.

Leo Lowson is survived by Betty, his wife of 64 years Betty, son Peter, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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