Could the rumour regarding the replacement of the ration pack Fred with ring pull cans actually be true?
As far back as World War II, the faithful Fred has been issued in one form or another to be utilised for whatever means it was required. From opening tin cans to cleaning fingernails or personal assault weapons to a makeshift screwdriver, the humble Fred has served well. It has never been decorated, mentioned in dispatches or given a Commanding Officers Commendation. It has gone about its business, serving the Australian soldier, sailor and airman in every conceivable country and operation in the world without the recognition it so rightly deserves. The American, Canadian, Chinese and Japanese defence forces have tried to emulate the functionality of Fred but have never been able to copy its unassuming construct. Ration pack tinned cheese will never be the same and, I might add, how can one eat ration pack cheese with a plastic spoon? It s sacrilege. Gone are the days when the first thing the wife asks on return from exercise is Did you save all the Freds, honey? knowing only too well
