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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Dornier Do-X - interior. 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 19874768
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step into the cockpit of history with this rare and fascinating photograph from the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan. Taken in the 1920s, this image shows Lord William Francis Forbes-Sempill, a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, standing proudly inside the Dornier Do-X seaplane. As part of an official military mission, Sempill led a delegation to showcase the latest British aircraft technology to Japanese officials.
What's less well-known is that Sempill's relationship with Japan went beyond mere diplomacy. He would go on to secretly aid the Imperial Japanese Navy in developing its Navy Air Service and even provide them with sensitive military information before World War II. Although his activities were eventually uncovered by British Intelligence, Sempill was not prosecuted for spying and continued to enjoy public life.
This unique glass lantern slide is part of the Royal Aeronautical Society Archive and offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in aviation history. It also serves as a reminder of the complex web of relationships between nations during times of peace and war.
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