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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Sopwith Cuckoo
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Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Sopwith Cuckoo
Torpedo Dropping Instruction, Sopwith Cuckoo making a big splash. 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 19874490
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1921 Advise Afraes Consultation Cuckoo Dropping Forbes Francis Instruction Latest Mission Peer Pioneer Sempill Showcase Showcased Sopwith Splash Torpedo 1922
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Take to the skies with Lord Sempill's historic mission to Japan! This print captures a moment from the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan in 1921, where William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS, showcased the latest British aircraft to the Imperial Japanese Navy. The image depicts a Sopwith Cuckoo making a big splash as it demonstrates its torpedo-dropping capabilities. As an air pioneer and Scottish peer, Lord Sempill was instrumental in introducing modern aviation technology to Japan and played a significant role in developing their Navy Air Service. His contributions went beyond mere consultation, as he also shared sensitive military information with his Japanese counterparts. Although his activities were later revealed by British Intelligence, Lord Sempill escaped prosecution and continued to be involved in public life. This remarkable photograph is now part of The Royal Aeronautical Society's National Aerospace Library collection at Mary Evans Picture Library.
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