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
Airship Sheds under erection. 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 19874444
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1921 Advise Airship Consultation Erection Forbes Sempill Francis Instruction Mission Sheds 1922
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
Airship Sheds under Erection, circa 1921: A Glimpse into the Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan
This historic photograph captures a pivotal moment in aviation history, as Lord William Francis Forbes-Sempill's British Aviation Mission to Japan is underway. In 1921, Sempill, a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer, led an official military mission to showcase the latest British aircraft to the Imperial Japanese Navy. The mission marked a significant turning point in Anglo-Japanese relations and laid the groundwork for future cooperation between the two nations.
As seen in this image, construction of airship sheds was underway at an unidentified location in Japan. The sheds would eventually serve as a hub for Japanese naval aviation operations. Sempill's expertise and guidance played a crucial role in developing Japan's Navy Air Service, which would go on to play a significant role in World War II.
Despite his later involvement with espionage activities on behalf of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II, Sempill's contributions to early aerial innovation cannot be overstated. This photograph serves as a testament to his pioneering spirit and his impact on international aviation history.
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.
