During the early part of the Cold War, Strategic Air Command (SAC) wanted to know what capabilities the Soviet Union had in terms of long range bomber airfields.

Operation Jiu Jitsu was born to take photos of these important targets.
This was the First Anglo American overflights to take place.  
These operations were a very daring and successful operations for both countries.

If you would like to know more, please visit the Heritage Centre or email us if want to use our vast Jiu Jitsu archive including documents that are held at the National Archives.
If you wish to use our photos, please email us.

We are very pleased that on display at the RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre we have Flt Lt Richards Hales flight log book detailing his training for the later 1952 operation which was cancelled and his flight helmet in which he wore on these training ops.
We are very grateful to his daughter for the loan of these unique and priceless pieces of Jiu Jitsu history.

Just Recently, Sqd Ldr Rex Sanders medal grouping came to light and we were very pleased that War & son of Leominster gave us access to his log book detailing his training and " Special Duties Flight" over the Soviet Union.
 War and Son - Home

We are also pleased to have collaborated with Runway 25 in Producing a 70th anniversary commemorative coin.
​These can be purchased on the below link

Operation Jiu Jitsu 70th Anniversary Coin – Runway25

You can find out more about these missons at the RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre.........