Frederick James Young was born about 1880 in Luton.

He was 5ft 5 inches tall, had a fair complexion, sandy coloured hair, blue eyes & a scar on his left eyebrow.

In September 1895 he joined the 1st Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). During his 12 years with the colours he served in India & in South Africa, taking part in the relief of Ladysmith in 1902 for which he received the South Africa Medal. In 1906 he spent time in hospital  recovering from  a heart problem, then was passed fit for service in February 1907.