Frederick was born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and served with the Regiment prior to the outbreak of war. Whilst serving as a Corporal he was awarded the Territorial Forces Efficiency Medal (TFEM) in January 1909. 

It is recorded that in 1914 Frederick was with “G” Company and attached to the Regimental Depot in Derby. He landed in France on the 28th of February 1915 and would go on to fight throughout the duration of the war. 

Frederick was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), as reported in the London Gazette of 14th of January 1916. The award was for his conspicuous gallantry at the Hohenzollern Redoubt on the 13th of October 1915, when he had put out wire entanglements within twenty yards of an enemy position. On another occasion he had taken his platoon and led the charge in a rush on an enemy trench, successfully clearing the position and making it safe for allies nearby. His DCM was presented to him by the Mayor of Ilkeston in a ceremony in the town.