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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Seaplane on deck of ship. 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 19874618
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/ Mary Evans
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step aboard the ship and witness a pivotal moment in aviation history with this rare photograph from the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan. In 1921, Lord William Francis Forbes-Sempill, a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, led an official military mission to showcase the latest British aircraft to the Japanese. This striking image captures a seaplane on deck, symbolizing the beginning of a significant exchange between two nations that would have far-reaching consequences.
As part of his mission, Sempill not only demonstrated British aircraft but also shared secrets with the Imperial Japanese Navy, which would later aid their development of naval aviation capabilities. Although his activities were eventually uncovered by British Intelligence, Sempill was allowed to continue in public life without prosecution.
This photograph is one of few remaining records of this historic event and provides a unique glimpse into the early days of international cooperation in aviation. The image has been preserved as a 3-inch square glass lantern slide from the Royal Aeronautical Society Archive and is now available for viewing through Mary Evans Prints Online.
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