Junkers Ju 88s of II./KG 51 attack Allied coastal positions during the Battle of Leros in late 1943

The Battle of Leros was the central event of the Dodecanese campaign of the Second World War, and is widely used as an alternate name for the whole campaign. After the Armistice of Cassibile the Italian garrison on the Greek island Leros was strengthened by British forces on 15 September 1943. The battle began with German air attacks on 26 September, continued with the landings on 12 November, and ended with the capitulation of the Allied forces four days later. Of note is the fixed 20mm MG FF cannon on the Ju 88 to attack ground targets.