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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
New Central Hangars under erection - Ground view. 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: circa 1921
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Media ID 19874450
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1921 Advise Consultation Erection Hangars Instruction Mission 1922
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step into the early days of international aviation with this photograph from the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, circa 1921. This striking image captures the construction of new central hangars at an Imperial Japanese Navy airbase, a testament to the growing importance of aerial power in military strategy. At the forefront of this development was William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965), a Scottish peer and pioneering aviator who led the official British mission to Japan.
As seen in this ground-level view, Sempill's team showcased cutting-edge British aircraft technology to their Japanese counterparts, marking a significant moment in interwar cooperation between nations. However, it is now known that Sempill's involvement went beyond mere diplomacy - he secretly shared sensitive information with the Imperial Japanese Navy and advised on its naval aviation developments.
Despite being exposed by British Intelligence for his espionage activities, Sempill avoided prosecution and continued to participate in public life. This remarkable photograph serves as a poignant reminder of both his dual roles: as an innovator in aviation and as a spy operating behind enemy lines.
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