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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Fuelling Supermarine Flying Boat on flight round England. 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 19874720
© 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. This photograph captures a significant moment during the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, led by William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS. As a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, Sempill's mission aimed to showcase the latest British aircraft technology to Japan.
In this image, we see a Supermarine Flying Boat being fueled for its flight around England as part of the mission. The scene is steeped in nostalgia, with vintage aircraft and equipment evoking memories of an era when aviation was still in its infancy.
What makes this image even more fascinating is the complex web of events that unfolded after Sempill's return from Japan. Despite his official role as an ambassador for British aviation, it was later revealed that he had been secretly passing military information to the Imperial Japanese Navy. Although his activities were uncovered by British Intelligence, Sempill escaped prosecution and continued to participate in public life.
This historic photograph offers a unique glimpse into both Britain's early efforts to establish diplomatic relationships with Japan through aviation and the intriguing story of Lord Sempill's dual roles as diplomat and spy.
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