He served in a series of staff and instructing roles, in addition to two periods as a leader of fighter wings during the campaign in Italy.

In 1937, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) on a short service commission, commencing his training on 25 October.

[1] Successfully completing this initial phase of training, he was commissioned as acting pilot officer on 9 January 1938.

6 Flying Training School at RAF Netheravon for flight instruction upon completion of which, later the same year, he was posted to No.

[1] At the time Lovell joined the squadron, it was operating Supermarine Spitfire fighters from RAF Catterick.

[1] It was still based at Catterick and mostly engaged in protective cover for shipping convoys as well as patrols on the east coast.

The squadron moved south to RAF Hornchurch on 28 May 1940 and began to operate over Dunkirk, helping cover the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from the beaches there.

Flying from here on 8 July, Lovell shared in the destruction of a Junkers Ju 86 medium bomber to the southeast of Scarborough.

[3][6] In combat off Dover on 28 July, Lovell was attacked by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter reportedly flown by Luftwaffe flying ace Werner Mölders of JG 51 and crashed on landing at RAF Manston.

He returned to his squadron on recovery and on 15 August, near Barnard Castle, shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter and probably destroyed a second.

A further Bf 109 was damaged by Lovell on 30 October while he was flying a new Spitfire Mk II, which the squadron had started taking delivery of earlier in the month.

The announcement was made on 26 November, the published citation reading: This officer has flown continuously on active operations against the enemy since war began.

He has shown a fine fighting spirit and has led his flight and on occasions his squadron with great courage, coolness and determination.

[1][9] This was based at Catterick, flying Spitfires on patrols along the coast while it prepared for a move to the Middle East.

His keenness to engage the enemy, combined with fine leadership, both in the air and on the ground have set an inspiring example.

Lovell destroyed a Ju 87 of the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force) that was attacking the convoy.

In the combat Squadron Leader Lovell shot down a Junkers Ju 88 bringing his total victories to nine.

On many occasions his skilful leadership has enabled his squadron to intercept enemy air formations bent on attacking Malta.

This officer's gallantry and determination have set an example worthy of the highest praise.Lovell shot down a Ju 88 into the sea on 7 December; the bomber had already been damaged in an engagement with aircraft of No.

[1] Promoted full squadron leader on 9 April,[18] he spent the later part of 1943 as a staff officer, first at the headquarters of the Northwest African Coastal Air Force and then at the RAF's No.

1 Mobile Operations Room Unit of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces with which he served for several weeks.

On 17 August 1945 Lovell was killed when he crashed into a field adjoining Old Sarum airfield having lost height while performing aerobatics in a Spitfire.

[1] Holding the rank of wing commander at the time of his death, he is buried at Portrush Cemetery in County Antrim.

[21] He had a brother, Stuart, who also served in the RAF during the war; he was killed on 29 January 1944 flying a Hawker Typhoon fighter on a sortie to Brest in France.