Frederick was born in Wolverhampton in 1893, the son of Frederick and Jane Kendrick. In 1911 he appeared with his parents and siblings Herbert and Millicent, at Glenmore, Lane Head. Frederick’s occupation is listed as accountants’ clerk, with his birthplace being Short Heath, Staffordshire.
He served as a Temporary Lieutenant (Acting Captain) in the 1st Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment. He served in France from 12 July 1916 until 15 November 1916, before transferring to Italy.
He received a number of medals during the course of his military service. He was awarded the Italian Bronze Medal for Valour and the Military Cross, as cited in the London Gazette on 6 April 1918:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his company who were ‘mopping up’. He had previously been wounded when reconnoitring the position, but remained with his company until relieved two days later.
The London Gazette announced his receipt of the Bar to the Military Cross on 16 September 1918, with the citation as follows:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading a raiding party. He deployed his party so skilfully that in spite of a bright moon the raid was a complete surprise. He led the attack with great dash, himself inflicting several casualties on the enemy. It was largely owing to his skilful handling that the raid was completely successful and cost but few casualties.
His name was listed a third time on 7 January 1919, having been awarded the Italian Silver Medal for Valour. Finally, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (as listed on 10 December 1919), with the following citation:
During operations October 27-29 1918, he showed the greatest gallantry, coolness and devotion to duty. On October 27th he pushed forward rapidly with his company, and captured the village of Tezze, three field guns and 240 prisoners. Again on October 28, his company was first to reach the objective, and he reorganised the battalion front for defence. On October 29, at Cimetta, he was given charge of two front line companies of the battalion. At the beginning of this operation he had one arm broken by a machine gun bullet, but continued to lead the attack through very difficult country and under heavy machine gun fire. Before reaching his objective he was again hit in the other arm, but insisted on continuing to lead the advance, finally clearing the village and capturing a large number of prisoners and machine guns. He only consented to leave after consolidation was complete. By his absolute fearlessness, disregard of his wounds and skilful leadership, he ensured the success of a difficult operation and set a splendid example.