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Re: KG51 losses on 23 August 1942.
Igor nicely put the problem of GQ6 records. Such statistical data indeed serve long term planning purpose on every possible aspect, not only longevity of an airframe. Based on such data, the one may note that some types are dangerous, that aircraft built at some factories suffer higher losses, that some extra training is necessary for flying personnel, etc. In effect, safety, serviceability and combat efficiency may be improved.
From this point of view, it is really not that important if the date or the time of the loss is accurate. Accuracy of those records depended on distance from Berlin as well, and some units kept their own standards of information send. It is obvious eg. checking GQ6 returns for the BoB.
Assumption that they are accurate must be supported by some other means rather than someone's belief. Unfortunately, we do not have too many sources that allow us to compare data.
I am fully awared of overclaim and friendly fire incidents, but there is a slight but substantial difference between critical approach and ignoring Allied sources. Sorry, if a German airman is reported by several witnesses to bail out (or better, photographed), and still not listed by GQ6, then I really have no reason to trust the papers. The same for NVMs, my friend was wounded, but then still not appears in those lists. How many were omitted this way?
I am not neglecting the source as a whole, but please, do not consider this a definite list of losses.
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