How many sorties did Fighter Command fly over Dieppe?

Short answer

Fighter Command flew about 2,500 sorties during the day. The operation used around 74 squadrons and about 1,000 aircraft. The RAF and its Allied squadrons lost around 106 aircraft, more than on any other day of the war.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

How many sorties did Fighter Command fly over Dieppe?

Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb of No. 92 Squadron, 19 May 1941. This aircraft, serial R6923, was shot down by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 on 22 June 1941. CH2929

A raid with political aims

The raid sought to raise Allied morale, demonstrate Britain's commitment to reopening the Western Front, and support the Soviet Union, which was fighting on the Eastern Front. Joseph Stalin had repeatedly demanded that the Allies open a second front in France to force the Germans to shift at least 40 divisions from the Eastern Front.

The air effort

The operation committed around 74 squadrons and about 1,000 aircraft: roughly 48 Spitfire squadrons, Hurricane fighter-bombers, army cooperation squadrons flying Mustang Mk I, and Boston and Blenheim light bombers laying smoke screens and attacking artillery positions. Fighter Command flew about 2,500 sorties on the day.

Losses on both sides

The RAF and its Allied squadrons lost around 106 aircraft, more than on any other day of the war; at least 32 of those losses were due to anti-aircraft fire or accidents. The Luftwaffe lost about 48 aircraft destroyed and around 24 damaged over Dieppe on 19 August 1942. German fighter losses, mostly Fw 190s, are estimated at around 20 to 25 aircraft.