• Junker Ju 88

Date of birth:

August 9th, 1919 (Ceylon)

Date of death:

August 17th, 1945 (Old Sarum/Wiltshire, Great Britain)

Buried on:

Commonwealth War Graves Portrush Cemetery
Plot: F. Grave: 1153.

Service number:

40402

Nationality:

British

Tony Lovell joined the RAF on a short service commission in November 1937. After receiving his wings, he was posted to No. 41 Squadron at Catterick on 20th August 1938.

Over Dunkirk on 31st May, 1940 he claimed his first -shared- victorie over a a He111 he destroyed; on 1st June he shared another. On 8th July, Lovell claimed a Ju 86.

In combat off Dover on 28th July, he was attacked by Werner Mölders of JG 51 and crashed upon landing at Manston. He was wounded in the thigh and was admitted to Margate Hospital.
On 5th September, he was shot down over the Thames Estuary, and baled out unhurt. His Spitfire (R 6885) crashed and burned out in Kimberley Road, South Benfleet.

In October 1941, Lovell was given command of 145 Squadron, going out to the Middle East with this unit in early 1942.

In May 1942, Anthony was posted to Malta to join 603 Squadron.
When 603 Squadron was disbanded on 3rd August 1942, it was partly incorporated into 1435 Flight to form a full Squadron. Lovell was given command of the new unit.

After a rest at the beginning of 1943 he was appointed to lead the 244 (Malta) Spitfire Wing. He led the Wing during the invasion of Italy and the South of France. More appointments followed until the end of the war when he was posted home to the UK.

On 17th August 1945, Anthony Lovell was killed when he crashed into a field adjoining Old Sarum airfield whilst doing acrobatics in a Spitfire. He was 26 years old.

Anthony Lovell is buried in Grave 1153 in Plot F of Portrush Cemetery, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Promotions:
9 January, 1938: Acting Pilot Officer (probation)
25 October, 1938: Pilot Officer
25 May, 1940: Flying Officer
25 May, 1941: Flight Lieutenant
1 June, 1942: Temporary Squadron Leader
9 April, 1943: Squadron Leader (war sub)
? Acting Wing Commander

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 41 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

November 26th, 1940

Citation:
"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. He has destroyed seven enemy aircraft."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 145 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

February 10th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Unit:

Reserve of Air Force Officers

Awarded on:

November 14th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

November 3rd, 1942

Citation:
"This officer is an outstanding squadron commander who has played a considerable part in the defence of Malta. One day in October, 1942, he led his squadron in an attack against six Junkers 88's escorted by a number of fighters. In the combat, Squadron Leader Lovell shot down a Junkers 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."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Awarded on:

February 23rd, 1945

Citation:
"Since the award of the Distinguished Service Order this officer has taken part in many more operational sorties and has destroyed at least a further three enemy aircraft, bringing his total victories to 19 enemy aircraft destroyed. He has led his wing on many low level attacks against road targets in the face of intense enemy fire. His enthusiasm and fine leadership have been reflected in the successes achieved by the wing since April, 1944, which has destroyed 30 enemy aircraft and over 1,000 enemy vehicles, besides damaging 50 enemy locomotives. Both in the air and on the ground, Wing Cdr. Lovell has set an inspiring example of courage, skill and devotion to duty."

Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the First DSO.

• Photo 1: RAF
• - SHORES, CH. & WILLIAMS, C., Aces High, Grub Street, London, 1994.
  - The London Gazette Issue 35001 published on the 26 November 1940
  - The London Gazette Issue 35451 published on the 10 February 1942
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35768 published on the 30 October 1942
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36793 published on the 10 November 1944
  - Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36954 published on the 20 February 1945
  - Flight Global - Archive
  - Airfield Avation Ltd
  

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Junker Ju 88