[Andy Mitchell]

Chris,

No problem.

Below may give an indication of why the Beaufighters were there.

From DEFE3/135

page 290-1 VL5291 01/02/44
Orders for 3./126 at 01.00 hrs on 01/02/44 for operations that day.
Escort and anti-submarine patrol with 3 Arado ahead of Oria convoy, Stampalia to Rhodes. (Comment compare VL5271) convoy to be in 3632, 2645 E at 04.30 hrs Z, thence via 3617, 2715 E and 3622, 2755 E, arriving about 14.00 hrs Z.
For 3 torpedo boats and 1 steamship (Comment – probably Siglinde, see VL5279) from Praeus to Leros arriving about 06.00 hrs Z, anti-submarine patrol and escort with 3 Arados from first light till arrival off Port Laki and in area3707, 2645 E.
For Leda (comment see VL5207) leaving Leros about 16.00 hrs Z for Samos, anti-submarine patrol with 3 Arado at Port Laki and ahead of convoy from 14.00 hrs Z till last light.
Secondly, for three tasks 6 Arados of 4./126 transfering to Leros.
Thirdly, 3 Ju 88 also with Oria convoy until arrival.