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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Dornier Do-X (D-1929) - Supermarine flying boat above. 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: 1929
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Media ID 19874758
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Take to the skies with Lord Sempill's historic mission to Japan! This stunning photograph, taken in 1929, captures the Dornier Do-X (D-1929) Supermarine flying boat soaring above as part of the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan. Led by Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer William Francis Forbes-Sempill, AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965), this official military mission showcased the latest British aircraft technology to Japanese officials.
Little did anyone know at the time that Lord Sempill would go on to secretly aid the Imperial Japanese Navy in developing its Navy Air Service and provide crucial military intelligence. Although his activities were later uncovered by British Intelligence, he was not prosecuted for spying and continued to enjoy a public career.
This remarkable image is a rare glimpse into a pivotal moment in aviation history, offering a unique perspective on international relations and technological exchange during the interwar period. The photograph is part of the Royal Aeronautical Society Archive collection and has been preserved for generations to come.
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