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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Vickers Viking preparing for test flight. 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. Date: circa 1921
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Media ID 19874500
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1921 Advise Consultation Forbes Sempill Francis Instruction Mission Preparing Test Viking 1922
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step into the early days of aviation history with this photograph of the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, circa 1921. Led by William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965), a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, this mission showcased the latest British aircraft to the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Vickers Viking is seen preparing for its test flight in this historic image.
As part of his diplomatic efforts, Sempill's mission aimed to foster closer ties between Britain and Japan through aeronautical cooperation. However, unbeknownst to many at the time, Sempill would go on to secretly aid the Imperial Japanese Navy in developing its Navy Air Service and provide military secrets to Tokyo before World War II.
This remarkable photograph offers a glimpse into an era of pioneering innovation and international diplomacy. As we gaze upon the sleek lines of the Vickers Viking readying for takeoff, we are reminded of both the excitement and complexity of these early years in aviation history.
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