Initially it was thought that the honours between the Royal Air Force and the Luftwaffe, in terms of casualties inflicted on the other, were about even. Fighter Command soon knew that they and 2 Group, Bomber Command, had lost just over 100 aeroplanes during the day, but that indications from claims submitted by its fighter pilots plus those shot down by the Navy, also showed nearly 100 German aircraft destroyed. After the war, however, Luftwaffe records showed that they had lost only 48 aircraft. Naturally many more had been damaged, and in fact by the morning of 20 August, the Luftwaffe had only 70 fighters in a serviceable state. Had Dieppe been just the first in a series of such actions, the Luftwaffe's fighter arm in the west would have been almost wiped out. Fortunately for them Dieppe was a one-off. In contrast, on D-Day, 6 June 1944, the Luftwaffe opposed the huge landings with just two FW190s flying one strafing run.
Yet the British news media heralded a great victory, the biggest since the dark days of the Battle of Britain. And despite the losses, the fighter pilots were well pleased.
It has always been difficult to assess with any real accuracy the actual losses of any battle, or to verify, the claims made by either side in a given conflict. The Dieppe Raid's casualties and claims are no exceptions. For those interested in such figures, the attacking force lost approximately 1,000 men killed, 600 wounded (other than those wounded and taken prisoner) and 1,900 captured. By comparison the RAF's losses in lives was small - 64.
The vast majority of air combat claims were always made in good faith, but in any air battle with aeroplanes twisting and turning, climbing and diving and all at high speed, it had to be virtually impossible to know for certain the results of a fighter pilot's attack. Unless the target blew up, lost a wing, was actually seen to crash, ie seen to fall from perhaps several hundred or thousand feet, and watched all the way down (a bad thing for a fighter pilot to attempt), or see the pilot take to his parachute, he could only claim what he believed his attack had done to the aeroplane he fired at. From the study of combat reports, including those concerning Dieppe, it is often clear that firing at an enemy aircraft, losing it, then seeing an aircraft go into the sea was claimed as a definite kill. The fact that several pilots were shooting at several aircraft and that possibly they all saw this one machine go into the sea, easily boosted claims — but they were made in all good faith. Above Dieppe, especially, with such a concentration of aeroplanes over a limited area it is little wonder that claims exceeded actual losses. It happened on both sides, for the Luftwaffe claimed over 100 victories on the 19th yet no more than 70 RAF aeroplanes were actually brought down by German aircraft, possibly less. Flak accounted for at least 30 and German bomber gunners at least four.
An analysis of RAF fighter claims for the 19th indicate the following totals.
| Type | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged |
| FW 190 | 47 | 27 | 76 |
| Mel09 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Do217 | 33 | 8 | 46 |
| Ju88 | 8 | 3 | 11 |
| Helll | 5 | — | — |
| 96 | 39 | 135 |
Actual losses admitted by the Luftwaffe:
| Fighters | 23 | — | 8 |
| Bombers | 25 | — | 16 |
| 48 | — | 24 |
Of these:
| Destroyed | Damaged | |
| Jagdesgeschwader 2 | 14 | 3 |
| Jagdesgeschwader 26 | 5 | 1 |
| Kampfgeschwader 2 | 16 | 7 |
| 35 | 11 |
Almost every 'official' list of RAF casualties for 19 August differs in some respect. While I do not claim that the following list is 100% accurate, I have compiled it from basic squadron records and added to it from subsequent knowledge. Undoubtedly these figures could be fractionally higher if a damaged aircraft was later deemed to be unrepairable or struck-off. The totals for damaged are merely an indication, for some were seriously damaged, others only superficially hit. Many more with only very minor damage are not even noted or listed anywhere.
Royal Air Force losses — aeroplanes:
| Lost to | Lost in | Damaged by | Damaged in | |
| Type | enemy action | accidents | enemy action | accidents |
| Spitfires | 59 | 3 | 31 | 9 |
| Hurricanes | 20 | — | 12 | 2 |
| Mustangs | 10 | — | 4 | 1 |
| Typhoons | 2 | — | — | — |
| Bostons | 4 | — | 6 | — |
| Blenheims | 2 | — | 1 | — |
| 97 | 3 | 54 | 12 |
Royal Air Force losses - aircrew:
| Killed in | Killed in | ||||
| Pilots: | action | accidents | Captured | Wounded | Injured |
| Spitfire | 27 | 2 | 11 | 14 | 2 |
| Hurricane | 12 | — | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Mustang | 6 | — | 3 | 1 | — |
| Typhoon | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| Boston | 3 | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| Blenheim | 1 | — | — | 1 | — |
| 51 | 2 | 17 | 18 | 4 |
| Boston | |||||
| Observer/ | |||||
| Navigators | 3 | — | — | 5 | — |
| Boston | |||||
| Air Gunners | 3 | — | — | 1 | — |
| Killed in | Killed in | ||||
| action | accidents | Captured | Wounded | Injured | |
| Blenheim | |||||
| Observer/ | |||||
| Navigators | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| Boston | |||||
| Air Gunners | 2 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Passenger | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| Totals | 62 | 2 | 17 | 24 | 5 |
Luftwaffe pilot losses:
| Killed in | Killed in | |||
| action | Missing | Wounded | accidents | |
| JG 2 | 2 | 6 | 7 | — |
| JG 26 | 5 | — | — | 1 |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
Statistics on bomber crew losses are not available.
The Royal Air Force flew a tremendous number of operational sorties on 19 August 1942 - 2,955. This figure is broken down as follows:
| Type | sorties | |
| Spitfires | 2050 | 171 patrols |
| Hurribombers | 61 | 6 attacks |
| Hurricanes | 205 | 18 strikes |
| Typhoons | 72 | 9 patrols |
| 91 Squadron (Spits) | 39 | 38 patrols |
| Mustangs | 72 | 35 tasks |
| Blenheims | 16 | 3 raids |
| Bostons (2 Group) | 62 | 15 raids |
| Bostons (Ftr Command) | 3 | 1 raid |
| Fortresses | 24 | 1 raid |
| 2604 | balance of scrambl | |
| defensive patrols, | ||
| 351 | -ASR, etc: |
Of these, 120 sorties were carried out by USAAF fighters of 31st Fighter Group - 8th Air Force. The 97th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force flew 24 B17 sorties.
Luftwaffe sorties totalled:
| JG 2 | 423* |
| JG 26 | 377 |
| Bombers | 145* |
| 945 | |
*approximate |
Tangible recognition of the gallantry, courage, dedication and determination shown by the airmen during the Dieppe Raid was given to many of them. Several of these have already been mentioned in the main narrative but the list is a long one. All of the following received awards for Dieppe or for a previously successful period of operational flying culminating with the Dieppe show.
Group Captain Harry Broadhurst DSO DFC AFC, who flew four times on that day, received a bar to his DFC for destroying one enemy aircraft and for his valuable information on the progress of the air effort, gleaned during eight hours of active participation. Wing Commander Eric Hugh Thomas DFC, Biggin Hill's Wing Leader, also received a bar to his DFC. Wing Commander David Scott-Maiden DFC, who led his Norwegians three times over Dieppe (his Wing claimed a total of 21 victories), received the DSO - 'a brilliant pilot and a fine tactician . . .'. Fellow Wing Leader, Peter Russell Walker DFC, Tangmere Wing, who had led two sorties, also received the DSO.
As well as Flight Lieutenant Herbert Tappin of 3 Squadron, who ' . . . despite fierce enemy opposition he pressed home his attacks. . .', Flight Lieutenant Desmond J. Scott and Flight Lieutenant Louis Thomas Spence of the same squadron, received DFCs. 19 Squadron collected three DFCs, Squadron Leader Patrick Davies ' . . . his fine qualities were well to the fore . . .', Flight Lieutenant Ivor H. Edwards and Pilot Officer Jack Henderson. Squadron Leader E. R. Thorn DFM, CO of 32 Squadron was awarded the DFC for his leadership and for when he ' . . . con-tinued his attack although warned that an enemy aircraft was attacking him.' Squadron Leader W. G. G. Duncan-Smith DFG and bar, CO of 64 Squadron, a '. . . brilliant pilot and fine leader . . .' received the DSO. Flight Lieutenant Colin R. Hewlett of 65 Squadron, ' . . . flew with distinction . . .' at Dieppe and won the DFC. Squadron Leader Chesley Peterson DFG, CO of 71 Eagle Squadron whose ' . . . devotion to duty has been outstanding. . .' also received a well earned DSO. James Elmslee Walker RCAF of 81 Squadron collected a DFC after Dieppe, mostly for his work in Russia. 87 Squadron's 'boss', Squadron Leader Denis Smallwood who led ' . . . in the face of strong opposition from ground defences; his leadership proved a valuable asset' and Flight Lieutenant Alec Thorn, and Pilot Officer Robin McNair of 87, ' . . . at Dieppe his cool and courageous work set an inspiring example . . .' all won the DFC. Squadron Leader Desmond Griffiths and Pilot Officer Alan C. Baxter (RNZAF Navigator) of 88 Squadron received DFCs.
Squadron Leader Peter Wickham DFG, who flew five times during the day, leading his own 111 squadron twice and leading the American 308th Fighter Squadron on three missions, was awarded a bar to his DFC. Flight Lieutenant John Shepherd ' . . . at all times displayed great skill and determination . . .' and Pilot Officer Frank T. Brown of 118 Squadron received DFCs. Flight Lieutenant Selden R. Edner, 121 Eagle Squadron collected a DFC. Flight Lieutenant William Gregson ' . . . led his flight with skill and courage . . .' and Pilot Officer Michael P. Kilburn of 124 Squadron, the latter flying four sorties, were awarded DFCs. Squadron Leader R. H. Thomas DFC, CO of 129 Squadron ' . . . an outstanding squadron commander . . .' received a DSO — his squadron's low level attacks winning the admiration of the attacking forces. Wing Commander Michael Pedley, for his outstanding ability and Flight Lieutenant Ray Harries both of 131 Squadron, received DFCs. Pilot Officer William H. Baker and Flight Lieutenant E. G. Bret-tell, ' . . . an excellent flight commander who has completed 111 sorties. . .', of 133 Eagle Squadron received DFCs. Squadron Leader Donald Carlson, the New Zealand CO of 154 Squadron also got a DFC. In 174 Squadron Flight Lieutenant William Winder McConnell DFC received a bar to his decoration and was promoted to squadron leader. Pilot Officers Harry Davies and James Reynolds both got DFCs, John Brooks the DFM. Their sister squadron, 175, collected two 'gongs', the CO, John Pennington- Legh DFC, received a bar, Flight Lieutenant Burton D. Murchie, a Canadian, a DFC.
Flight Lieutenant Foss Boulton, 416 RCAF Squadron, flew during the Dieppe show and damaged a Ju88. (IWM)
Flight Lieutenant Don Kingaby claimed a Do217 at Dieppe flying with 64 Squadron.
Wing Commander Peter Donkin, CO of 239 Mustang Squadron during the Dieppe operation. He is seen being presented with the DSO from the King later in the war. (P. L Donkin)
In 222 Squadron, Bobby Oxspring, the CO got a bar to his DFC. Wing Commander Wilfred Surplice's 226 Squadron were well rewarded, Surplice having a DSO, Squadron Leader J. S. Kennedy DFC, a bar, and DFCs to Flying Officer Harold Asker DFM, George A.Casey, and Pilot Officers Don Smith, Leonard H. Longhurst and Ren ton S. Rutherford. Flight Lieutenant Denys H. H. Gather- cole of 245 Squadron won the DFC and so did the CO of 253 Squadron, D. S. Yapp, for his ' . . . low level attacks on gun posi- tions and strong points . . .' Squadron Leader Jean Zumbach, CO of 303 Squadron, received a bar to his DFC as did Squadron Leader S. F. Skalski of 317 Squadron. Flight Lieutenant K. Rut- kowski and Pilot Officer Mike Maciejowski DFM, both of 317, received DFCs. Sergeant Marius Erikson of 332 Squadron was awarded the DFM. Squadron Leader F. (Dolly) Dolezal, CO of 310 Squadron, received a DFC. The Canadians too received decora- tions. Keith Louis Bate Hodson, CO of 401 Squadron, and George B.Murray of the same unit collected DFCs and Squadron Leader Norman Hobson Bretz, boss of 402, ' . . . led his squadron in four sorties and destroyed one enemy aircraft and damaged another . . .' was given a DFC. Squadron Leader Les Ford DFC, 403 Squadron received a bar for his ' . . . inspiring example . . .' and so did Clarke John Fee, CO of 412, together with one of his flight commanders, Fred Ernest Green, who ' . . . completed three sorties, two of which were low level escort duties . . .' Squadron Leader Robert Newton leader of 411 Squadron got a DFC for his ' . . . zeal and cour- age . . .', and Lloyd Chadburn of 416 also got a DFC. Squadron Leader R. J. C. Grant DFM, CO of 485 received the DFC and Flight Lieutenant Dennis Crowley-Milling DFC of 610 was awarded a bar to his DFC, for his ' . . . outstanding keenness to inflict losses on the enemy.'
Those RAF personnel aboard the control ships were also decorated. Air Commodore Adrian Cole CBE MC DFC, who controlled on the Calpe until he was wounded, received the Distinguished Service Order. Acting Squadron Leader Gerald Le Blount Kidd also on No 1 Control Ship, received the MBE, while Squadron Leader James Humphrey Sprott on the second control ship, was awarded the OBE. Acting Squadron Leader James Booth Reynolds, who plan- ned, briefed and then flew with 226 Squadron on the first raid, received the OBE.
Finally a list of the number of flying personnel engaged in Operation Jubilee, not including ASR crews:
| pilots | aircrew | |
| Single seater fighters | 730 | — |
| Bostons - Fighter Command | 4 | 8 |
| Bostons & Blenheims - 2 Group (smoke) | 30 | 60 |
| Bostons - 2 Group (bombing) | 28 | 56 |
| Army Co-operation Mustangs | 47 | — |
| USAAF Fortresses | 24 | 192 |
| 863 | 316 |
On 1 September 1944 troops of the 2nd Canadian Division returned to the harbour town of Dieppe. On that occasion the port and its defences were given up without a fight, but this time they came from the land - not the sea.
