Frederick [also known as Frank] enlisted into the 1st Home Counties Divisional Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C., T.F. on 4th March 1913. He was 19 years and 10 month old; and was a Painter by trade; and was living at 52 James Street, Gillingham at the time. He became one of a quota of N.C.O.’s and men, known as 'Special Reserve', who previously agreed to serve overseas in the event of a war. On 6th August 1914, he transferred from the 1st Home Counties Field Ambulance to serve with the Expeditionary Force, and marched alongside Captain Greene, and the detachment, to a field adjoining Monockton’s Mill, Sandling Road, Maidstone, which had become the mobilization headquarters of No 10 Field Ambulance. He entered the war with the 10th Field Ambulance on 23rd August 1914.
On 15th March 1915 he was admitted into No 3 General Hospital suffering with Hypermetropia, then was discharged on the 21st to a Convalescent Depot. On 9th May 1915 he was admitted into Meerut British General Hospital suffering with Cerebro Spinal Meningitis. This time he was evacuated back to England, leaving on the Hospital Ship “St Andrew” on 26th July and admitted into The Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley. On 12th September 1915 he joined the Hospital Ship Jan Breydel for duty, and appears to have remained with this unit until 31st March 1919, when he was posted to No 48 Coy.