Home > Animals > Birds > Accipitriformes > Accipitridae > Japanese Sparrowhawk
Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Parnall Panthers
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Parnall Panthers
Fleet Training Squadron - Parnall Panthers (foreground) and Gloster Sparrowhawks (background) leaving Kasumi-ga-ura for fleet course at Yokosuka Naval Base. William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965) was a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer who was later shown to have passed secret information to the Imperial Japanese military before the Second World War. In 1921, Sempill led an official military mission to Japan that showcased the latest British aircraft. In subsequent years he continued to aid the Imperial Japanese Navy in developing its Navy Air Service and began giving military secrets to the Japanese. Although his activities were uncovered by British Intelligence, Sempill was not prosecuted for spying and allowed to continue in public life.
circa 1921
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 19874476
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1921 Advise Afraes Consultation Course Depart Forbes Francis Gloster Instruction Latest Leaving Mission Parnall Peer Pioneer Sempill Showcase Showcased Squadron Yokosuka 1922 Base Panthers Sparrowhawks
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Birds
> Accipitriformes
> Accipitridae
> Japanese Sparrowhawk
> Arts
> Realistic drawings
> Still life artwork
> Fine art
> Asia
> Japan
> Lakes
> Related Images
> Asia
> Japan
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Scotland
> Aviation
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Scotland
> Lakes
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Scotland
> Posters
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Scotland
> Related Images
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Airplanes and aviation
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Naval warfare
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> Royal Aeronautical Society Collection
> Photographic Collection
> Sempill British Aviation Mission to
EDITORS COMMENTS
Take to the Skies: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, 1921
In this historic photograph, a fleet of Parnall Panthers (foreground) and Gloster Sparrowhawks (background) depart Kasumi-ga-ura for a training course at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan. Led by William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965), this official military mission showcased the latest British aircraft technology to the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1921. Little did anyone know that Sempill's fascination with Japanese aviation would soon turn into a secret collaboration that would ultimately aid the Imperial Japanese Navy in developing its own air service.
As an air pioneer and Scottish peer, Sempill's involvement with Japan was initially seen as a diplomatic gesture. However, his subsequent years of advising and consulting with the Japanese military raised concerns among British Intelligence agencies. Despite being uncovered as a spy, Sempill was not prosecuted and continued to lead public life until his death in 1965.
This image captures not only the cutting-edge aircraft of the time but also hints at the complex web of international relations during an era marked by rising tensions between nations.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
