I wonder if we are misreading the letter slightly ?
Could the rescue have been done near the boys school ? And not off Arran !

Very good idea, Baz and the more I read the letter, the more that possibility becomes likely. I realise it’s all a bit vague really.

What was the life saving medal? Is there a record of the deed behind the award?
Is there a list/book showing how each PoW was captured?
Are there any local papers from that era that might have reported the story?

Been trying to find out about the medal, snafu, but no success so far. Ditto the local papers.

Long range 109 recce aircraft certainly operated over Scotland from Norway

I hadn’t even considered that as a possibility till this week, Dave! Had previously thought it would be twin-engine types that would be used for that purpose. I thought I wasn’t too bad on geography but, if asked to guess the distances from Norway and France to the west of Scotland, I’m ashamed to say I would have well over-estimated!

What was the date of this incident ?

Unfortunately no idea, Alan. The letter concerned a discussion that had been held with the brother of the lifesaver whose name was Duncan Craig. The incident seems to have taken place near Corriecravie on Arran’s south-west coast.

Perhaps the pilot was in the sea as he had ran out of fuel.

Yes, possibly only intended a one-way trip. Making for Ireland maybe? Must admit I was surprised at the distances you give – my poor judgement was adding a considerable number of miles to that! Brings home how close the war was even to the furthest reaches of the UK.