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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Cross cracking plant reaction chamber and cover being removed for decoking. 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 19874816
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step into the fascinating world of early aviation history with this rare and intriguing photograph from the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan. Taken in the 1920s, this image captures a crucial moment in the development of Japanese naval aviation as Lord Sempill, a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, oversees the removal of a cover for decoking on a cross-cracking plant reaction chamber.
As leader of the official military mission to Japan in 1921, Sempill showcased Britain's latest aircraft technology to his hosts. However, what began as an exchange of ideas soon turned into a clandestine collaboration between Sempill and the Imperial Japanese Navy. Over several years, he shared sensitive military secrets with his new allies, raising concerns about espionage that would later be uncovered by British Intelligence.
Despite these revelations, Sempill was not prosecuted for spying and continued to enjoy public life. This remarkable photograph offers a glimpse into an era marked by international cooperation and intrigue. The Royal Aeronautical Society archive has preserved this unique glass lantern slide as part of its extensive collection, providing historians and enthusiasts alike with valuable insight into one of aviation's most complex chapters.
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