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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Avro 504
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Avro 504
The Avro Flight (A) Staff, group photo with Avro 504. 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.
circa 1921
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Media ID 19874460
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
Advise Afraes Avro Consultation Forbes Francis Instruction Latest Mission Peer Pioneer Sempill Showcase Showcased Staff 1921 1922
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This group photograph depicts the Avro Flight (A) Staff of the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, gathered around an Avro 504 aircraft in the early 1920s. The mission, led by the Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS, took place in 1921. Lord Sempill, a decorated military officer and aeronautical expert, was instrumental in showcasing the latest British aircraft to the Imperial Japanese military. During this mission, Lord Sempill began secretly aiding the Imperial Japanese Navy in developing its Navy Air Service. His clandestine activities continued in the following years, as he provided military secrets and advice to the Japanese. Despite being discovered by British Intelligence, Lord Sempill was not prosecuted for spying and was allowed to continue in public life. The Avro 504, a versatile biplane trainer and reconnaissance aircraft, was a popular choice for military training and was widely used by the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force. In this photograph, the Avro 504 serves as a symbol of the burgeoning relationship between British and Japanese aviation. The image captures the excitement and innovation of the 1920s aviation scene, as well as the complex political dynamics of the time. This photograph is part of the extensive collection of the Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library) at Mary Evans Picture Library. It offers a unique glimpse into the history of aviation diplomacy and the intriguing relationship between Britain and Japan in the early 20th century.
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