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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
B.A.M. and Japanese officers. 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: 1920s
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Media ID 19874592
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/ Mary Evans
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step back in time to the 1920s and witness a pivotal moment in aviation history with this rare glass lantern slide from the Royal Aeronautical Society Archive. The photograph captures a gathering of esteemed officers from the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, led by William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965). As a record-breaking air pioneer and Scottish peer, Sempill's mission aimed to showcase the latest British aircraft technology to Japanese officials.
This historic image not only highlights the diplomatic efforts between Britain and Japan but also marks the beginning of a complex relationship that would later raise questions about loyalty and secrecy. Despite his official role as an ambassador for British aviation, Sempill's activities were shrouded in controversy when it was discovered that he had been passing sensitive military information to the Imperial Japanese Navy.
The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the blurred lines between diplomacy and espionage during this era. Although his actions were deemed unacceptable by some, Lord Sempill continued to enjoy public life without facing prosecution. This remarkable image is now available through Mary Evans Prints Online under Rights Managed licensing.
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