These pictures are from the collection of Stuart MacMillan, our ex-membership secretary, and show his grandfather teaching the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Service how to fly, circa 1921-22, when the British were helping them to re-arm after being our allies in the Great War. He obviously did a good job. Anyway, enjoy the pictures. The admiral inspects the latest fighter machine, the Gloster Sparrowhawk. Built by Short Brothers, Felixstowe F5 No. S.547, the first one assembled of a batch of nine sold to the Japanese in 1920. It is seen here being launched for its first flight at Yokosuka on August 30, 1921, pilot John Parker. Semi rigid ocean patrol airship Don't know what it is, but I like it! The Japanese fleet from the air, picture taken by Akiyama, printed by Samaga, 12 April 1922 Stuart's grandfather shows Japanese personnel over the Blackburn Torpedo Bomber   Back to Front Page