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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Wisteria Blossoms Hakone. 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 19874570
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/ Mary Evans
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step into the serene beauty of Japan's cherry blossom season with this stunning photograph from the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, circa 1920s. Lord William Francis Forbes-Sempill, a Scottish peer and pioneering aviator, led the mission to showcase Britain's latest aircraft technology to the Japanese military. This picturesque scene captures Wisteria blossoms in full bloom at Hakone, a tranquil getaway town located on Honshu Island.
As we gaze upon this idyllic landscape, it is hard to imagine that Lord Sempill was secretly working behind the scenes to aid the Imperial Japanese Navy in developing its airpower capabilities. His clandestine activities would later be revealed as he shared sensitive military information with his Japanese counterparts.
Despite being exposed by British Intelligence, Sempill escaped prosecution and continued to enjoy public life. Today, this image serves as a poignant reminder of both his remarkable achievements in aviation and his controversial actions during a tumultuous period in world history.
This rare glass lantern slide is part of the Royal Aeronautical Society Archive and offers a unique glimpse into an era marked by innovation and intrigue.
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