Noel Pemberton Billing began aeronautical experiments
in 1908 with a primitive monoplane. Acquiring a factory
atWoolston, Southampton, in 1913, he began to design
and build marine aircraft, his P.B.1 biplane flying-boat
being exhibited at the
P.B.31E
1914 Olympia Show, but not
flown. Company registered June 1914. At outbreak of
First World War in 1914 designed, built and flew P.B.9
single-seat scout biplane in nine days. The P.B.29E night
patrol quadruplane of 1915, built in seven weeks from
beginning of design, paved the way for the improved
version, the P.B.31E Nighthawk. By the time this had
flown the company had been renamed Supermarine
Aviation Works.
