.... if you try substituting the name of the rescuing vessel as being the trawler RIVER SPEY which, according to
http://tinyurl.com/da2mvtwas converted to being a minesweeper in 1941, and exactly the sort of vessel that would have been operating in the presumed area.
Then, look at
http://tinyurl.com/d3q8m3and all is revealed, and Motherbird's Dad is completely vindicated!
In which direction did the 'very lively RAF types' disappear? In the direction of a week's leave, granted personally by MRAF Lord Trenchard apparently, and so to Cambridge for an RV with Motherbird Pere .....
Jack