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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 19874722
© 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 photograph from the Royal Aeronautical Society Archive. This stunning print captures the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, led by William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965). As a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, Sempill was tasked with showcasing the latest British aircraft to Japanese officials. The mission marked a significant milestone in Anglo-Japanese relations and laid the groundwork for future collaborations.
This remarkable image depicts one of these aircraft, a Supermarine Flying Boat, being refueled during its flight around England. The attention to detail is breathtaking - notice the intricate mechanics of the plane's propellers and engines as it soars through the skies. This photograph not only highlights Britain's innovative achievements in aviation but also provides a glimpse into an era of international cooperation that would have far-reaching consequences.
As we gaze upon this vintage image, we are reminded of both progress and controversy surrounding Lord Sempill's later activities. His involvement with Imperial Japan has been shrouded in mystery due to allegations of espionage and secret information sharing before World War II. Despite these revelations, his legacy remains complex and multifaceted - a testament to humanity's capacity for innovation as well as our propensity for secrecy.
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