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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Run in the Sun (artwork). 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 19874662
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Step into the sun-kissed skies of the 1920s with this photograph from the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan. Led by William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill, this historic mission showcased the latest British aircraft to Japanese officials in a bid to foster diplomatic relations and share technological advancements. The image captures a moment of camaraderie and curiosity as Japanese dignitaries gather around a sleek biplane, their faces aglow with wonder.
This remarkable print is part of an extraordinary collection that reveals Sempill's dual role as both aviation pioneer and secret agent. As his reputation grew, so did his connections with the Imperial Japanese Navy, leading him to provide classified information that would later aid Japan's military efforts during World War II. Despite being exposed by British Intelligence, Sempill was allowed to continue in public life, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to fascinate historians and aviation enthusiasts alike.
This rare glass lantern slide from the Royal Aeronautical Society archive offers a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in history when nations were forging new paths in flight technology and international diplomacy.
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