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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
DH.80A Puss Moth (G-aVB)on water (at St. Marys, Scilly Isles?). 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 19874874
© 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 photograph of the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan. Led by Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965), this mission showcased the latest British aircraft to Japanese officials. The DH.80A Puss Moth G-AVB is seen taking off from the waters of St. Mary's Scilly Isles, its majestic wingspan stretching out across the frame.
This historic image is a testament to Sempill's groundbreaking work as an aviator and his significant contributions to international relations between Britain and Japan during this period. Little did anyone know at the time that Sempill would later be revealed as a spy for Imperial Japan, passing on sensitive military information before World War II.
Today, this stunning glass lantern slide serves as a fascinating artifact from an era of great change and innovation in aviation history. With its unique provenance linked to the Royal Aeronautical Society archive, it offers a glimpse into the early days of international diplomacy through flight.
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