Born in Stirling, Scotland on 25 August 1899, Frank Anderson was an 18-year-old motor mechanic from Toowoomba when he enlisted in 1918. He soon signed a transfer to the Flying Corps and was given the rank of 2nd Class Air Mechanic. Anderson undertook most of his service at the Australian Flying Corps base in Laverton, Victoria. He never left the country during the war and was discharged in December.
Before the war Anderson played soccer for Norths, as well as the Newtown Cadets in a charity match. His name was added to the Toowoomba British Football Association honour board in May 1918, one of a number listed for aiding the war effort in non-combat roles.