Frederick was a son of William and Elizabeth Cook of Gilgai near Inverell NSW. He was a twenty-two-year-old Labourer when he enlisted at Inverell in June 1916. He joined the Camel Corps November 1916 Reinforcements and during October 1916 a farewell function was organised for him at Gilgai before he sailed from Australia for Egypt on HMAT A7 Medic in December. After being transferred to the 4th Light Horse Training Regiment in February 1917, he served at Khan Yunis in Palestine. During 1918 he became ill and was admitted to 14th Australian General Hospital at Port Said. He returned to Australia and was medically discharged in August 1919.
Frederick lived at Gilgai after the War and on one occasion addressed Gilgai school students about his experiences in Palestine. His name is recorded on the Inverell Honor Roll and the Howell Public School Roll of Honour.