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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Aeroplane on ground (G-EBGO, Vickers 78 Vulture I). 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 19874628
© 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 stunning print of the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan. Lord William Francis Forbes-Sempill, a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, led an official military mission to showcase the latest British aircraft in Japan. This remarkable image captures G-EBGO, a Vickers 78 Vulture I aeroplane, parked on the ground as part of the mission.
The Sempill Mission marked a significant turning point in Anglo-Japanese relations, as it not only demonstrated British technological prowess but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations between the two nations. However, what began as a diplomatic gesture would later take on sinister undertones when Sempill's activities were discovered by British Intelligence. Despite being accused of passing secret information to the Imperial Japanese Navy and aiding their development of their Navy Air Service during World War II, Sempill was allowed to continue his public life without prosecution.
This rare glass lantern slide from the Royal Aeronautical Society Archive offers a unique glimpse into this fascinating chapter of history. The photograph is now available through Mary Evans Prints Online for those interested in exploring further.
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