On the 2nd March 1945, Lancaster PB158 "CF-G" (named "The Green Goddess") of 625 Sqn, RAF, took off from RAF Kelstern, Lincolnshire, at 07:30 hours to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.
The aircraft exploded in the air. Six of the crew were killed and F/O Bloy was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium. In a POW Report F/O Bloy stated : “The aircraft was hit by ack-ack over the target and put the two port engines out. The Pilot said “stand by”. The Rear Gunner remained in the rear turret for a while to ascertain whether approaching fighters were friendly or otherwise. No one was injured. The others five were still in the aircraft when I and P/O Blackley baled out. at 4,000 feet. The aircraft was under control falling rapidly and a fire broke out in the wing. The bale out order was given immediately the fire was seen. The wing eventually blew off and the aircraft spun in and crashed near Stotzheim, south west of Cologne. Only two escaped the crash and the others in the aircraft were killed.
