Field Ration Eating Device

The Field Ration Eating Device (F.R.E.D. or FRED) is a small device which serves as a combination of a can opener, a bottle opener, and a spoon. Introduced around 1943, it is issued to the Australian Defence Force in its CR1M ration packs.[1] It is also humorously referred to as the "Fucking Ridiculous Eating Device".[2][3][4]

Australian Army Field Ration Eating Device

The can opener is very similar in design to the US military P-38 can opener.

References
  1. "Farewell, old Fred". Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper 6 October 2005 Edition #1130 : Letters to the Editor. Coordination and Public Affairs; Directorate of Defence Newspapers (Australian Army). 6 October 2005. Retrieved 5 November 2007. and "Fred's friend's left with sour taste". Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper 20 October 2005 Edition #1131 : Letters to the Editor. Australian Army. 20 October 2005. Retrieved 5 November 2007.
  2. "A history of modern military rations". MetaFilter:community weblog. 2005. Retrieved 5 November 2007. A similar device is currently employed by the Australian Army in its ration kits. It is known by the acronym "FRED" (Fucking Ridiculous Eating Device).
  3. Hardiman, Graeme. "The Malayan Emergency. 2RAR 1956/57". 2RAR. Digger History: an unofficial history of the Australian & New Zealand Armed Forces. Retrieved 5 November 2007. I remember the spoon come tin opener that was in later years nicknamed "Fred" (F****ing ridiculous eating device)
  4. "Australian Ration pack Contents". Ration Pack. Australian Defence News & Opinion - MilitaryPeople.com.au. 2007. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 5 November 2007.

Further reading


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