Herbert enlisted on 21st July 1912. He was 31 years and 9 months old, and was a casual labourer by trade. He embarked at Southampton on 18th August 1914, then disembarking at Boulogne the next day, entered the war in France on 19th August 1914. On 9th February 1917 he was admitted into his unit, then evacuated to No 48 Casualty Clearing Station. The diagnosis was P.U.O. On 22nd he was evacuated again to No 22 General Hospital, where he stayed until 4th February, when he reported to Base Details in Etaples. On 7th March 1917 he joined Base Details in Rouen, who posted him to serve with No 20 Ambulance Train on the 30th. He remained with this unit for the remainder of the war. He was discharged on termination of Engagement on 31st March 1920.