Home > Europe > United Kingdom > Scotland > Aviation
Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
B Hangars - Armament Butts and Pyrotechnic Stores in background. 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: circa 1921
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 19874438
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1921 Advise Armament Butts Consultation Hangars Instruction Mission Stores 1922 Pyrotechnic
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Asia
> Japan
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Scotland
> Aviation
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Scotland
> Related Images
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Airplanes and aviation
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> Royal Aeronautical Society Collection
> Photographic Collection
> Sempill British Aviation Mission to
> Services
> Royal Navy
EDITORS COMMENTS
Step back in time to 1921 and witness the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, a groundbreaking moment in aviation history. This striking photograph captures the hangars, armament butts, and pyrotechnic stores of the Imperial Japanese Navy's airbase, with Lord William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Baron Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965), standing proudly at its center. As a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, Sempill led this official military mission to showcase the latest British aircraft technology to Japan. Little did anyone know that his interactions with the Imperial Japanese Navy would have far-reaching consequences.
As it later emerged, Sempill continued to provide secret information and technical expertise to the Japanese Navy Air Service throughout the 1920s and early 1930s. Although his activities were uncovered by British Intelligence, he was not prosecuted for espionage and instead allowed to continue his public life as a respected figure in aviation circles.
This image offers a glimpse into an era of international cooperation and technological exchange between nations. The juxtaposition of Western innovation with Eastern ambition sets against a backdrop of historic significance - one that would ultimately shape the course of World War II.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
