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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Togo being shown Training Machine by 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 19874526
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/ Mary Evans
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step into the fascinating world of early aviation history with this rare and captivating photograph from the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan. This stunning image, taken in the 1920s, shows Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Togo being shown training on a machine by Captain The Master of Sempill, William Francis Forbes-Sempill. As a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, Lord Sempill led an official military mission to Japan in 1921 to showcase the latest British aircraft. Little did anyone know at the time that he would go on to secretly aid the Imperial Japanese Navy in developing its Navy Air Service and share classified information with them.
This remarkable photograph is part of a collection held by the Royal Aeronautical Society Archive and provides a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in aviation history. It's not only a testament to Lord Sempill's pioneering spirit but also raises questions about his motivations and actions during this period. Despite being uncovered as a spy by British Intelligence, Lord Sempill was allowed to continue his public life without consequence. This intriguing image serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between nations during times of peace and war.
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