Cyril Lovesey joined the 'Rolls-Royce Experimental Department' in 1923, came under the direction of Ernest Hives and worked on both motor cars and aero engines.
He was the company representative for support of the Rolls-Royce R engine during its trials at Calshot for the Schneider Trophy races in 1929 and 1931.
His contribution to the Merlin, doubling its power output and improving reliability at the same time, was a major achievement.
Post-war, Lovesey adapted the Merlin for civil use and then turned to turbojet development with work on the Rolls-Royce Avon.
He retired in 1964 but was later recalled along with Arthur Rubbra and Stanley Hooker to assist with development problems concerning the Rolls-Royce RB211 turbofan engine.