Four actual German survivors of the raid on Goa by the Hopper Barge "Phoebe" acted as advisors on this movie.
As indicated in this movie's story and in the real-life mission, no medals, awards, or commendations were issued by the British Government for the successful raid on Goa. James Leasor's book "Boarding Party" states: "The authorities kept faith with the Light Horse over one particular promise. They would have no credit for what they volunteered to do, and there would be no medals. So closely was this last pledge adhered to, that the men who had willingly risked their lives and careers, at their own expense, to carry out a task which produced unparalleled benefits, were categorically refused the right to wear one of Britain's humbler issue medals of the Second World War, the 1939-45 Star."
The Boarding Party Operation raid on Goa remained a British Government secret for thirty-five years, from 1943 until 1978.
The occupations of the real Calcutta Light Horse, who partook in the raid on Goa, included civilian businessmen, bankers, merchants, insurance agents, part-time soldiers, jute merchants, lawyers, accountants, and solicitors.
The film is vastly different to the account put forward in the James Leasor book, e.g none of the Allied boarding party were killed and there was no character named Mrs Cromwell. Several minor film characters depicted as being killed in the film survived to the conclusion of the Second World War, such as Trompeta.