Frederick Pengelly was born in Ballarat and was as Miner living on Magpie Street, Ballarat East, Victoria when he enlisted in the 29th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement on 14 July 1915 at the age of 24. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 10 November 1915. On 21 July 1916 he suffered a gunshot wound to the hand and knee, resulting in his evacuation to the 3rd Canadian General Hospital. The wound was noted as 'mild' and after recovery he was transferred back to his unit. However, on 9 March 1917 he was wounded again with a gunshot to the leg. This time the wound was noted as 'severe'. He again recovered but was admitted to hospital a third time on 10 June 1918 with a mild bayonet wound to his right arm. Despite this he continued to fight until he returned to Australia 19 February 1919 aboard the Orca.

He had two brothers who also served: Pte Alfred Pengelly, 60th Bn, killed in action, 19 July 1916 (Tree No. 892) and Corporal James Thomas Pengelly, 24th Bn, returned to Australia, 3 July 1919 (Tree No 3352)
Tree No. 1191