A LEADING Mellor doctor who arrived in England after fleeing the Nazis in World War Two has died aged 98.

Dr Friedrich Edward Kratter, known as Ted, is well known in East Lancashire as the former medical director of the mental health institution, Brockhall Hospital, in the Ribble Valley.

He came to England from Vienna in August 1938, where he had been studying medicine at Vienna University.

Dr Kratter continued his studies at the Victoria University of Manchester, where he graduated as a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1943.

His wife of 35 years, Valerie, said: “As a young man he lived in Vienna near St Stephen’s Cathedral.

“One day he went to a rally where Hitler was giving a speech.

“He went home to his parents and told them that they had to leave the country because of the Nazis.

“He was very insightful and resolute.”

In 1955 he obtained a Diploma in Psychological Medicine and later became a consultant psychiatrist and was a founding member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

He held varying positions throughout England and America.

While in America, he helped improve the plight of the Red Indians in North Carolina and, in tribute to his work there, a village was named Kratterville in his honour.

He spent most of his working life as medical director at Brockhall and continued working until he was 75.

Mrs Kratter said: “He was a remarkable man. I know I would say that, but he really was.

“He was known by all the doctors in the area and was very highly thought of by them, although he was very modest.

“He was very upset at what was happening in the medical profession. He had very strong views and a great belief in Jesus.”

“Outside of his medical word Ted was “an accom-plished pianist and played every day,” said Mrs Kratter.

“His favourites were Chopin and Bach.

“He also loved to read and was particularly interested in the Vikings.

“He was young at heart and loved to travel. He was happiest when he was in the garden.”

Dr Kratter died after surgery on his leg in the early hours of Thursday, August 6, at Beardwood Hospital, Blackburn.

As well as wife, he leaves daughters Carole and Jacqueline, grand-sons Garry and Christian and son-in-law Stephen.

A funeral service and burial will be held at Accrington Cemetary on Friday at 1pm.