THE death was announced this morning of Councillor Ray German, a long serving member of both Chatteris Town Council and Fenland District Council. He died peacefully in his sleep at his London Road, Chatteris home. Debbie Clark, Tory Party agent, described

THE death was announced this morning of Councillor Ray German, a long serving member of both Chatteris Town Council and Fenland District Council. He died peacefully in his sleep at his London Road, Chatteris home.

Debbie Clark, Tory Party agent, described Cllr German as "a real gentleman" who would be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues.

Cllr German lived in Chatteris for 60 years, having spent his school days at Sawtry. He served in the RAF as an air gunner for 4 1/2 years during the war.

He served in the RAF both in the Middle East and on the renowned Path Finders 35 and 692 Squadron at RAF Graveley.

On returning from the RAF he established his own agricultural contracting business and farmed at Somersham, Warboys and Chatteris, retiring from full time farming some 18 years ago.

He served on Cambridgeshire 16 years from 1981 to 1997 and has served for 34 years on Chatteris Town and Fenland District Councils.

He was chairman of Chatteris Town 1980/83 and Fenland District 1993/95 and again in 1998/99.

He was also a member of the National Farmers Union, Conservative and Working Men's Clubs.

He described, in his last election address, his motto:

OUR INDEPENDENCE

OUR FREEDOM

ARE OUR MOST VALUED POSSESSIONS

TOGETHER WE MUST RETAIN THEM