In 1951 I was a Flight Lieutenant in the Air Ministry responsible for Navigator training. And one June morning Squadron Leader Martin came into the office. He said hed just been to see the Vice Chief and been told that he was going to be put in charge of a small band of people to do some special flying. For security reasons he wasnt able to tell me what this flying was about. He said, Ive come to you. Id like to nominate or find me a good navigator. Well, Micky was well known for his exploits in the War. So I realised this was going to be an interesting project. So I said to Micky, I nominate myself. Id be silly if I didnt. And happily he accepted. Sanders on his joining Operation Ju-Jitsu, as recalled by Paul Lashmar in Spy Flights of the Cold War The important 1977 O.B.E., 1944 Bomber Command D.F.C., Operation Jiu-Jitsu A.F.C. & Bar group of ten awarded to Wing Commander R. S. Sanders, Royal Air Force Having cut his teeth on a full 34-Op tour over Europe, which saw him fly on at least four Ops to The Big City - Berlin - and share in Big Week, his finest hours would come during the Top Secret flights over Russia during the Cold War, in collaboration with the United States Sanders earned his immediate A.F.C. for their first flight deep into enemy territory in April 1952, and thence the Second Award Bar for good measure on the second foray in April 1954; these Missions were sanctioned and closely monitored by Winston Churchill himself The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, Officers (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt, in its Royal Mint case of issue; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1944, with its case of issue; Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated 1953, with Second Award Bar, the reverse officially dated 1954; 1939-45 Star, clasp, Bomber Command, this clasp with its case of issue, the base with label stating Wg Cdr R S Sanders 135043; Air Crew Europe Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S. E. Asia 1945-46 (Flt. Lt. R. S. Sanders. R.A.F.); France, Republic, Legion of Honour, breast Badge, by Arthus Bertrand, mounted court-style as worn apart from the first and last, good very fine (10)
