102nd Anniversary of Sqn Leader Moon’s Death

It was a most beautiful warm, sunny day that FoSOC was most honoured to have with us, today, for the Sqn Leader Moon’s 102nd anniversary of his death on the 29th April 1920, the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Alex Houghton. Mr Mayor gave an address at the grave of the Squadron Leader Moon’s life in Southampton, his work, and achievements as an aviation pioneer. FoSOC welcome city councillors Satvir Kaur, who later read the Poem ‘High Flight’ and Cathie McEwing.

FoSOC member, Mr Graham Linecar read the Exhortation.

Tony Maasz represents the Royal Air Forces Association, Southampton & Eastleigh. Tony took part in a 2010 commemoration here.  Mr Alistair Goodall represents the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. FoSOC thanked Lt Lindsay Bassett, the Commanding Officer of the Southampton Sea Scouts whose cadets were present today, two of them formed the honour guard around Edwin Rowland Moon’s grave.

FoSOC also, welcomed Heather White Manager of Southampton City Council’s Bereavement Services with whom FoSOC works closely in connection with this cemetery. FoSOC had hoped to welcome John Virgo of the Royal Air Forces Association, Southampton & Eastleigh, but unfortunately at the last minute could not come. Geoff Watts contact with John must go back at least some 20 years, when he first met him, and Tony Maber, when he gave a talk at Millbrook about the Old Cemetery, one of the very first that was done. They came up to Geoff afterwards and asked he could find this grave for them. It led to David Maber writing, with Squadron Leader Moon’s cousin, Roland Charles Moon, a biography of Edwin Rowland Moon, the copyright in which he generously gave to FoSOC a few years ago.

The conclusion to this commemoration was just a few final words from Geoff, following which everyone was invited to return to the Non-Conformist Chapel where refreshment was provided by FoSOC. Geoff thanked, everyone on behalf of FoSOC, for coming this morning and, on behalf of us all, thank the Chairman, Secretary, and members of FoSOC for all their work in arranging this event. Particular mention for FoSOC members Nick, Tim, Bryn and Linda who have worked very hard to ensure that the areas around the grave were cleared to enable us to stand here and for their splendid work on renovating the doors of the Non-Conformist Chapel where we started and Bruce for the PA system. Special thanks to Val and her team for the refreshments. Which was indeed enjoyed by all.

Last two photos are Edwin Rowland Moon and Moonbeam 11(two) and photo of Sqn Leader Moon in R.N.A.S. uniform.

Photo of event are taken by Bruce Larner