Herbert qualified M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. on 30th July 1886. He took up a commission within the Medical Services at the rank of Surgeon Captain on the 5th February 1887, and had served with a General Hospital during the Tirah Expedition 1897-1898. He gained promotion to the rank of Major on the 5th February 1899 but was serving under the rank of Lieutenant Colonel [2nd October 1911] when war broke out and was promoted to Colonel on 1st March 1915. Herbert served as Assistant Director of Medical Services to the 25th Division, arriving with them in France later that year. He was awarded the C.M.G. whilst serving with the 25th Division and is mentioned in the New Years Honours List, 1917. On the 24th June 1917, he became Deputy Director of Medical Services for XIX Corps, serving with the Fifth Army in the German Offensive in 1918. This post was taken over by Col J D Alexander on the 7th July 1918 - Col Pocock is mentioned in the London Gazette as being placed on retirement pay on the 2nd June 1918. [Information sources: Drew - Medical Officers in the British Army 1660 - 1960; The Medical Services Official History of the Great War; Roll of awards to members of the 25th Division; the London Gazette; MIC and family]