Frederick enlisted 24th July 1907. He was 19 years and 5 months old, and was a shoemaker by trade. He was transferred to Army Reserve on 2nd March 1910, but was mobilized on the outbreak of war and was posted to serve with the 2nd Field Ambulance, embarking with them at Southampton on 18th August 1914 and disembarking in Havre the next day, he entered the war in France on 19th August 1914. On 30th June 1915 he was admitted into No 1 Canadian General Hospital, where he remained until he was discharged on 9th August. That same day he was posted to Base Details who posted him to serve with No 4 Ambulance Train. On 19th February 1916 he transferred to No 23 Ambulance Train, then he transferred again on 8th May 1916 to serve with No 13 General Hospital. On 26th August 1918 he was posted to serve with the 44th Field Ambulance. He returned to the UK on 28th January 1919, then was discharged from the army the following 23rd July.