The Salopian no. 157 - Winter 2015

OLD SALOPIAN NEWS 79
it engaged a number of German destroyers. It was, he
admitted, a frightening experience. Unfortunately for him,
his period of service was too short to qualify him for a
campaign medal.
In 1946, he emerged from college as a qualified submarine
engineer, in which capacity he served in a number of
vessels. Graduating from the naval staff college, he was
steadily promoted to posts of greater responsibility including
a spell in Whitehall in the Operations Division of Naval
Staff. Here, as elsewhere, he proved to be a successful team
player, a man who got on with people and who retained
a sense of humour under pressure. His personal qualities
were to be of particular value when, in the rank of Captain,
he had the task of preparing the Faslane Nuclear Submarine
Base, which involved negotiating with the representatives
of the civilian workforce which was operating along with
Naval personnel. The project was completed in time.
He later became Commodore of the Barracks in Portsmouth,
re-named HMS Nelson at his suggestion. From there he
moved through various Ministry posts, before retiring in the
rank of Vice-Admiral and with a knighthood.
Springfield, his home from 1951 on, was a very happy
place, where Sir John was determined to create the stable
family environment that had been lacking in his youth. A
practical man, he loved to create or mend artefacts, he was
a keen gardener, and when his wife suffered a stroke, he
applied himself to cooking. Involvement in the Hayling
Island community included work for the local church and
membership of the Hayling Horticultural Society, of which
he became President.
An avid cricket enthusiast, he was a member of the MCC
and followed England on tour, was elected President of
Navy Boxing, and followed rugby on television with an
ardour that was just short of participation.
Invited to become a liveryman of the Worshipful Company
of Plumbers, he was to serve a term as Master, just one
more example of his natural gift of leadership.
In spite of the many demands of his career in public life,
Sir John found time for his family, and was a most devoted
father and grandfather. The collection of tributes from his
grandchildren, published at his memorial service, is a very
moving record of the contribution to their lives of a man of
many talents. With justifiable pride, his eldest son spoke of
“a life truly well lived”.
Charles Lepper (Staff 1987)
Although Charles Lepper taught English for just two
terms at Shrewsbury, from January 1987, he made an
unforgettable mark, both in the Common Room and with
his pupils. Cheerful, humorous and scholarly, he acted as
an interim between the departure of David Smith and the
arrival of Stephen Holroyd.
Charles had been a professional actor, performing at
Stratford with John Gielgud, before losing much of his
hearing and being obliged to leave the stage. But the
theatre’s loss was undoubtedly a gain for the world of
education. There followed a stay at the Crypt School in
Gloucester and later at Bradfield College, where he was
appointed Head of English. A notably sparkling teacher,
he enhanced the role with his many widely acclaimed
productions of Shakespeare and later with the celebrated
Bradfield Greek Plays. On reaching retirement, Charles
Lepper continued to perform his own one-man adaptation
of Charles Dickens’ novels.
A dedicated freemason, Charles happily joined the
Salopian Lodge, continuing as a member for many years.
The coat of arms of Shrewsbury School remained on a
shield in Charles’ rooms until his dying day. No one who
encountered him will ever forget his joie de vivre, his
generosity and love of theatre and literature. He died on
27th January 2015, aged 92.
John Levetus (Ch 1938-42)
The youngest of three, John Levetus was born on 22nd
July 1924 to Edward, an import-export merchant, and
Gertrude (née Ashton), a former schoolteacher. The family
lived in Hampstead Garden Suburb and made many
enduring friendships with neighbours who shared their
interest in the arts.
John performed well at Shrewsbury School, leaving in 1942
with Higher Certificates in Latin, Greek, and History and
Ancient Literature, and a distinction in Scripture Knowledge
(Greek Text). After a year in the Territorial Army, he served
in the Army Intelligence Corps in Britain, India and Ceylon
from 1944 to 1946, learning Mandarin at the School of
Oriental and African Studies.
John then took a two-year History degree course at New
College, Oxford, graduating in 1950. After qualifying as