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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Captain Yamamoto, I.J.N. and Captain The Master of Sempill I.J.. 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 19874534
© 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 Captain Yamamoto, I.J.N. and Captain William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965), as they stand proudly alongside each other during the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan.
As a record-breaking air pioneer and Scottish peer, Lord Sempill led an official military mission to Japan in 1921, showcasing the latest British aircraft technology. Little did anyone know at the time that this seemingly innocuous visit would mark the beginning of a secret collaboration between Sempill and the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Over subsequent years, Sempill continued to aid the Japanese Navy in developing its Air Service, sharing sensitive military information that would ultimately contribute to their war efforts. Although his activities were later uncovered by British Intelligence, he was not prosecuted for spying and instead allowed to continue public life.
This historic image serves as a fascinating glimpse into a complex web of international relations and espionage during a tumultuous period in world history. The story of Lord Sempill's dual identity - aviator extraordinaire by day and spy by night - remains shrouded in intrigue.
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