Herbert Elliot Singleton was a grand-son of John Singleton (1808-1891), the well known doctor, philanthropist and long-time resident of East Melbourne. He was the second son of John Wesley and Mary Agnes (nee Addison) Singleton and was born at 1 Elizabeth Terrace, Simpson Street, East Melbourne on 21 February 1878. Here John Wesley advertised in 1877: 'MAGNETIC HEALING - Mr. Singleton treats affections of eye, ear, insanity, &c. At home from 2 to 8 o'clock. ' Several years later, in 1891, and at a new address, 121 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, he was charged with using a 'medical or surgical name or title, namely "oculist," he not being qualified within the meaning of the act.' The case was dismissed on the grounds that the prosecution had not proved any deliberate attempt to mislead.
Herbert enlisted on 2 October 1916 at Melbourne. He gave his occupation as motor driver, and he was unmarried. His permanent address was 121 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy. He was 5ft 4.5ins. with fair complexion, fair hair and blue eyes. His medical history revealed that he had contracted malaria in 1897 in California and had had a series of attacks until 1914, but health at the time was good with no signs of the parasite in his blood. He had not been in tropical zones, nor had he seen service abroad. The conclusion was 'malarial infection by parents'. He was discharged 10 March 1917 as permanently unfit.