Herbert Caldwell was born in Bendigo. His father was a Forest Foreman with the FCV stationed in the Heathcote District where Herb spent most of his youth. He entered the VSF in 1945, and his first posting as Assistant Forester was in the Neerim District. He became District Forester at Cobden in 1955 and also served as District Forester in the Rushworth, Cohuna, Barmah, Myrtleford and Stawell Districts. In 1984 he was promoted to the position of Regional Manager, Wangaratta in the new Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands. When the Wangaratta and Wodonga regions were amalgamated near the end of 1986 be became the Regional Manager North-East. He retired in 1987.

Source: Based on Oral History Notes by Lesley Alves.