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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Sir Charles Elliot, K.C.B. H.B.M.s Ambassador after Flight with Captain The Master of Sempill. 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 19874554
© 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. The photograph captures Sir Charles Elliot, K.C.B., H.B.M.'s Ambassador to Japan, alongside Captain William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS, after their historic flight together. As part of the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Lord Sempill showcased the latest British aircraft technology to Japanese officials and military leaders. Little did anyone know at the time that this charismatic air pioneer would go on to secretly share sensitive information with the Imperial Japanese Navy, aiding its development of naval aviation capabilities.
This remarkable image offers a glimpse into a fascinating period of international cooperation and intrigue. Despite being exposed as a spy by British Intelligence during World War II, Lord Sempill was allowed to continue his public life without prosecution. This enigmatic figure remains an intriguing footnote in aviation history books. This unique glass lantern slide is now available for viewing through Mary Evans Prints Online.
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