622 men took part in this raid; 169 were killed, 215 became prisoners of war and 228 returned in one way or another to Britain.
The men who took part in this attack received more awards for bravery then any other operation of it's length then any other operation before or since. 89 awards were made, including 5 Victoria Crosses, 4 Distinguished Service Orders, 4 Conspicuous Gallantry Medals, 5 Distinguished Conduct Medals, 17 Distinguished Service Crosses, 11 Military Crosses, 24 Distinguished Service Medals, 15 Military Medals, and 4 men were awarded the Croix de Guerre by France.
The actual raid was a British Royal Navy and British Army operation.
Unlike the movie where the German Commander seemed to sense that the ship could be a real problem; when the ship blew up several hours later there was a group of about 30 German officers touring the craft when it blew up.
This and the 1952 film "Gift Horse" are based on the same World War Two raid carried out by British forces on the locks of the French port of St Nazaire in 1942.