from 1943 to 1945 raikes was a member of the personal staffs of the c-in-c coastal command, air marshal jack slessor, and air marshal sholto douglas. he was promoted to lieutenant commander on 16 march 1943. he attended the trend committee which oversaw the u-boat war. he then commanded the captured u-3514 and a group of similar u-boats during operation deadlight, the scuttling by the royal navy of surrendered boats.