Allan Percy Fleming

Allan Fleming CBE
National Librarian
In office 1970–1974
Personal details
Born	Allan Percy Fleming (1912-03-05)5 March 1912 Melbourne
Died	Melbourne
Nationality	Australian
Alma mater	University of Melbourne
Occupation	Public servant

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

Life and career

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

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

At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Fleming enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. He saw service in North Africa, Greece, New Guinea and the South-West Pacific, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

In 1968 Fleming was appointed Parliamentary Librarian. He became National Librarian in 1970, heading the National Library of Australia.

Fleming died on 18 January 2001.

Awards

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

Further reading

Government offices
Preceded by Harold Leslie White	National Librarian 1970 – 1974	Succeeded by George Chandler