MIA Luftwaffe Pilot 1942

Hi everyone,

I'm doing research on my family tree, and I have hit a real dead-end with my Great Uncle who disappeared in 1942.

The only information I have is his name -- Herbert Goerke (and they don't seem to use the form Görke) -- and he went missing in 1942 (according to a photo of a headstone / grave marker in the family grave yard in Cuxhaven, Germany, which says "Verm. 1942", taken in 1985 I believe). We know he was in the Luftwaffe because we have a picture of him wearing the uniform with the flight helmet. I would assume he was born in Cuxhaven as well.

The family members who give my cousin and I (the researchers) more information have passed away, and we can't seem to find any information anywhere on him. There is another Herbert Goerke I have found in some Luftwaffe records online, but the records say he was alive until at least 1945, and I find it quite bizarre that my family would keep the grave marker up if he came back. Plus, all my older family members say he died in World War 2.

This is something we have been researching for the last 5 years or so, so any information anybody could give or even pointing me in the right direction would be very much appreciated.

Yours Sincerely,
Scott Fack
Christchurch, New Zealand