Allan Percy Fleming

Allan Percy Fleming CBE (5 March 1912 – 18 January 2001) was a senior Australian public servant and journalist, best known for his time as National Librarian in the 1970s.

Allan Fleming CBE
National Librarian
In office 1970–1974
Personal details
Born	Allan Percy Fleming 5 March 1912 Melbourne
Died	18 January 2001 (aged 88) Melbourne
Nationality	Australian
Alma mater	University of Melbourne
Occupation	Public servant

Biography

Early life

Allan Fleming was born on 5 March 1912 in Melbourne, Victoria.[1] He was educated at Lee Street State school in North Carlton, Scotch College and Melbourne University.[1]

His first career was in journalism, first at the Melbourne Argus and later at the Brisbane Courier Mail.[2]

World War II service

At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Fleming enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force.[1] He saw service in North Africa, Greece, New Guinea and the South-West Pacific, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.[1] After the war, he returned to journalism before joining the public sector.[3]

Professional career

In 1968 Fleming was appointed Parliamentary Librarian.[4] He became National Librarian in 1970, heading the National Library of Australia.[5] In 1972 he went on a 10-week world tour studying libraries in Japan, Sweden, France, Belgium, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.[6] Retiring in 1973, Fleming told media that he intended to write a book and spend time traveling in Europe.[2]

later years

In 1976, returning from retirement, Fleming was appointed to head the Government Agency for Security of VIPs, responsible for coordinating security arrangements for the protection of visiting heads of state and other VIPs.[7][8]

Fleming died on 18 January 2001.[1]

Awards

Fleming was awarded as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for distinguished military service in the South West Pacific.[9] He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1978, in recognition of his work in the Australian Public Service.[10]

References

1. Farquharson, John (2001), "Fleming, Allan Percy (1912–2001)", Obituaries Australia, Australian National University, archived from the original on 10 April 2013
2. Davidson, Gay (12 June 1973). "Librarian to retire—once more: Writing a book might be next". The Canberra Times. p. 13.
3. "Librarian promoted to national post". The Canberra Times. 15 May 1970. p. 1.
4. Holt, Harold (19 October 1967). "Statement by the Prime Minister" (Press release). Archived from the original on 4 April 2014.
5. Gorton, John (14 May 1970). "Appointment of National Librarian" (Press release). Archived from the original on 4 April 2014.
6. "Study of overseas libraries". The Canberra Times. 30 October 1972. p. 7.
7. "VIP security head named". The Canberra Times. 28 September 1976. p. 3.
8. "Security cars". The Canberra Times. 19 January 1978. p. 7.
9. "Search Australian Honours: FLEMING, Allan Percy", itsanhonour.gov.au, Australian Government, archived from the original on 25 July 2014
10. "Search Australian Honours: FLEMING, Allan Percy", itsanhonour.gov.au, Australian Government, archived from the original on 25 July 2014

Further reading

• Brudenall, John (September 2001). "A man for his time : Allan Percy Fleming, CBE OBE". National Library of Australia News. XI (12): 10–13. Archived from the original on 20 January 2012.
• Golding, Peter (2013), An unqualified success: The Extraordinary Life of Allan Percy Fleming, Rosenberg Publishing, ISBN 9781922013545