Fred Freeman enlisted into the Suffolk Regiment on 2 October 1939, trade on enlistment Iron and Steel dresser. He later volunteered for the special service with the commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando. Under a restructuring that only lasted a few months No.7 was combined with No.4 Commando to form the 3rd Special Service Bn. By the time the units reverted back to their commando designations No.7 Commando had embarked for the Middle East as 'A' Battalion of Layforce. Private Freeman was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later confirmed a prisoner of war. Escaped twice whilst in captivity but was recaptured on each occasion.