Edwin Moon, possibly inspired by the 1903 Wright brothers flight, took a corner of the workshop to realise his dream of constructing and flying an aircraft of his own design.

[1] Moonbeam II was first tested at Beaulieu Heath (close to the Royal Oak public house at Hill Top) on 3 February 1910.

[1][6] The following year, on 2 April 1911, a French pilot, Maurice Tétard, flying from Brooklands to Larkhill, called at North Stoneham to make some adjustments; although he only stayed for about half an hour, a large inquisitive crowd rapidly gathered to admire the plane.

[8] In 1917, the field at North Stoneham was requisitioned by the War Office as an Aircraft Acceptance Park, but before completion, the base was given to the US Navy to develop an assembly area; this subsequently evolved into Southampton International Airport.

[11] They were forced to land with engine trouble and came down in a creek of the Rufiji River delta where they destroyed the seaplane to avoid the possibility of its being captured by the enemy.

In June 1917, Moon was awarded the Distinguished Service Order; the citation read:Since April 1916, has carried out constant flights over the enemy's coast, including reconnaissances, bomb-dropping and spotting for gun fire in all weathers.

[12]Following his release from captivity, Moon received a bar to his DSO, for the display of "the greatest gallantry in attempting to save the life of his companion".

[13] As well as the DSO, Moon was awarded the Royal Humane Society's silver medal for his attempts to save Bridgeman's life and The Legion of Honour – Croix de Chevalier.

His other military awards were:[1] After the war, Moon was in command of the flying boat station at Felixstowe with the rank of Squadron Leader in the newly formed RAF.

[17] In December 1919, Moon represented Winston Churchill, Secretary of State for War at the funeral of Sir John Alcock the transatlantic pioneer.

"[14] Moon was buried at Southampton Old Cemetery[19] with a wooden marker which is believed to be part of the propeller of the plane in which he died,[1][2][20] which was erected by his comrades of 230 Squadron, Royal Air Force.