Herbert was born in Whissendine, Rutland in the summer of 1898 and lived in Ashwell near Oakham with father Charles Henry (farm waggoner), mother Elizabeth and two lodgers. Just before 1911, father became publican of the Sun and Railway Inn at the corner of Church Street and Wothorpe Road and the family moved to Stamford. He also kept cattle in the walled field on the other side of the road.

Herbert, an only child, was still at school in 1911 but in 1913 he registered as a Reservist in the Lincolnshire Regiment.

Although underage for service, at just 15 he was posted to France as Private 200213, was wounded and eventually in 1918 was taken prisoner. He was discharged on 15 March 1919, was recommended for a medal and was awarded £8 from the Stamford Prisoner of War Fund.

He returned to live at 5 Conduit Road and died in Stamford in 1970 aged 72.