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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, flying boat
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, flying boat
Bringing out the first Felixstowe F.5 flying boat for trial. 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 19874474
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1921 Advise Afraes Bringing Consultation Felixstowe Forbes Francis Instruction Latest Mission Peer Pioneer Sempill Showcase Showcased Trial 1922
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step aboard the Felixstowe F.5 flying boat as it makes its way to Japan in 1921, marking a pivotal moment in aviation history. Led by Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS, this British Aviation Mission aimed to showcase the latest aircraft technology to the Imperial Japanese Navy. Little did anyone know at the time that Sempill's involvement would extend far beyond mere demonstration flights. As a trusted advisor and consultant to the Japanese military, he would go on to share sensitive information with them over several years leading up to World War II.
This historic photograph captures a moment of great significance not only for British-Japanese relations but also for the development of naval aviation worldwide. The Felixstowe F.5 flying boat was one of several cutting-edge aircraft showcased during Sempill's mission, which marked a new era in international cooperation and technological exchange between nations.
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