Photo with the plate of Bf 109E-7 WNr 6409 (1./SchG1) and conflicting record in 6.Abt.Qu loss return

[Andrey Kuznetsov]

Hello,

on 15.9.42 the loss of Bf 109E-7 WNr.6409 (1./SchG1) appeared in Gen.Qu.6.Abt. losses return, Ofw pilot Paul Nieszery KIA (RL2-III/1183, 15.9.42, Lfd.Nr.54, date of loss - 23.8.42).
On 21.9.42 WNr was corrected to 6445.
But, as you can see in the photo, the plate from 6409 was found approximately where the German report indicates - NW Stalingrad.



I think the likely explanation is that both planes (6409 and 6445) were lost. When it turned out that the pilot wasn't KIA on 6409, this number was corrected, but they forgot to add the loss of 6409 without the loss of the pilot.
On 23.8.42 at least 7 Bf 109Es of SchG1 were lost or damaged, adding to the likelihood of error in the reports.

A separate issue is that on the plate the "8" has stamped above the "7" in "E-7". What does this mean?

Best regards,
Andrey