Rockhampton-born Frederick Bennett was 20 when he enlisted after a previous rejection. He joined with Albin Cowderoy, his workmate at the Central Queensland Meat Export Company, and fellow player for Nerimbera FC. The pair were presented with wristwatches from their clubmates at the conclusion of their final game before departure.
Bennett spent the war in Egypt with the 5th Light Horse Regiment during the time it patrolled the Suez Canal and later fought in the push into Gaza. He spent several months seconded to the 2nd Light Horse Training Regiment which prepared reinforcements. Shortly before the end of the war he contracted malaria which led to his departure to Australia just before Christmas 1918.