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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Blackburn Swift
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Blackburn Swift
Blackburn Swift Mk.II (foreground) dropping a torpedo, with a Sopwith T.1 Cuckoo (background). 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
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Media ID 19874486
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1921 Advise Afraes Blackburn Consultation Cuckoo Dropping Forbes Formation Francis Instruction Latest Mission Peer Pioneer Sempill Showcase Showcased Sopwith Swift Torpedo 1922
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step back in time to 1921 and witness the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, a groundbreaking moment in aviation history. This striking photograph captures the Blackburn Swift Mk.II (foreground) dropping a torpedo, with a Sopwith T.1 Cuckoo soaring overhead. Led by William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS, this mission showcased the latest British aircraft to the Imperial Japanese Navy. Little did anyone know at the time that Lord Sempill's involvement would extend far beyond mere demonstration flights. As it later emerged, he had secretly been sharing military secrets with the Japanese Navy, playing a significant role in their development of their naval air service.
This remarkable image not only highlights Britain's pioneering spirit but also raises questions about loyalty and duty during times of war. The Royal Aeronautical Society has preserved this historic moment for us today through its National Aerospace Library collection at Mary Evans Picture Library.
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