Fred was born on 30^th March 1924 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; the son of Frederick Albert and Bertha Lillian Flannery (both buried in Fawkner Memorial Park: 29^th March 1971 aged 73 and 12^th March 1927 aged 27 respectively).

He served in the Australian Army during World War II as a private in the 37^th Works Company (1942-1946).

He was a talented wrestler in the flyweight division, and was selected to represent his country in several international competitions, most notably the XVI Olympic Games (1956), and the Commonwealth Games (1954 and 1958).

The 5^th British Empire and Commonwealth Games were held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from 30^th July to 7^th August 1954. Fred won the silver medal in the flyweight division.

The XVI Olympic Games were held in Melbourne, Australia from 22^nd November to 8^th December 1956. Fred competed in the flyweight freestyle event (see photo above).

The 6^th British Empire and Commonwealth Games were held in Cardiff, Wales from 18^th to 26^th July 1958. Fred won the bronze medal in the flyweight division.

[his portrait is illustrated above; courtesy of P.R.O. Victoria]