Frederick Howard was born on 2nd September 1908 to Henry and Edith Alice (née White). In 1911 he was living at Gormer, South Hill Park along with his older brother Henry and younger sister Dorothy. His father Henry was a waggoner on a farm. Frederick started his education at Easthampstead National School on 1st September 1913 and was there until 16th April 1919.

By 1939 Frederick was married to Kathleen Elizabeth Gale, and they wre living at Vectis in Watmore Lane. At this time he was working as an insurance agent.

At 0940 hours on the 7 July 1943, Wellington DV698 took off from Moreton-in-Marsh detailed to carry out a cross-country training exercise. At approximately 1030 hours, the Wellington broke out of cloud over Oxfordshire, near Chipping Norton airfield, and collided with Oxford LN783 from the locally based No 6 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit. Both machines fell close to each other and burst into flames. All on board DV698 were killed, and it is believed that the pilot of the Oxford was injured but survived.

The crew members of DV698 were:

• Sergeant Leonard William Bacon (1393865) (RAFVR) (Navigator)
• Sergeant Frank Charles Grievson (819180) (RAF (Auxiliary Air Force)) (Observer)
• Sergeant Frederick George Howard (1208813) (RAFVR) (Air Gunner)
• Flight Sergeant Robert Humphrey Collis (413532) (Pilot)
• Sergeant Anthony Edward Deighton Ross (1393143) (RAFVR) (Wireless Air Gunner)

Frederick was laid to rest in St Nicholas Churchyard, Hurst five days later. He was 34 years old.