Herbert Flory was born in Woodbridge on 28th June 1892; his parents were David and Rosa. In 1901, the family was living at The Lion Inn, Theberton, where Herbert’s parents were publicans. His father was also described as a groom and horse breaker. In addition to an older step-sister, Herbert had two younger siblings, Samuel and Kathleen.

By 1911, Herbert had moved to The Lodge, Melton, where he was employed as a groom in the household of James Burness. He enlisted with the Suffolk Regiment on 24th August 1914 and was posted to join the 7th (Service) Battalion. In May 1915, the battalion had been training at Aldershot when the order to mobilise was received. On the 29th, they entrained for Folkestone, ready to board the Troop Ship Invicta and arriving in Boulogne late in the evening of the following day.

Herbert served with the 7th Suffolks throughout the war – in May 1918 Herbert is recorded as being on Transport Detail with them. In August 1918, he received a shrapnel wound to his right knee and was sent back to England for treatment, arriving on 14th August. Herbert did not return to the front line and was discharged on 1st April 1919. His address was given as the Lion Inn, Theberton.

In 1922, Herbert married Polly Mildred Bird, of Peasenhall, and they had four children, two sons and two daughters. In 1939, Herbert and Polly were living in Dents Road, Bedford. Herbert died in the same town in 1974, aged eighty-two.

For his war service, Herbert received the 1914-15 Star, the British War and Victory Medals.