The second son of John Ellis, of The Elms, Chudleigh, Devon. He was educated at St George's Hospital, and entered the Royal Navy as a surgeon in 1875. He served with the Battalion of Royal Marines (Artillery) throughout the Egyptian Campaign in 1882, being present at the engagements of Kassassin on August 28th and September 9th, and at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir. He was mentioned in despatches and received the Egyptian Medal with Clasp for Tel-el-Kebir, and the Khedive's Bronze Star, and for his active services was specially promoted to the rank of Staff Surgeon. He was promoted Fleet Surgeon in June, 1891, and was Principal Medical Officer of HMS *Victoria*, the flagship of Sir George Tryon, when that vessel was sunk off Tripoli after collision with HMS *Camperdown* on June 22nd, 1893, the Admiral, 21 other officers, and 350 men being drowned. Becoming Deputy Inspector-General in 1899, he served for three years in charge of Bermuda Hospital. He was promoted Inspector-General in February, 1904, was in charge of Haslar Hospital for a few months, and in September was made Director-General of the Medical Department of the Navy, holding this position till May, 1908, when he voluntarily retired. His services, although notable, did not differ in a great degree from the ordinary run of service until he was made Medical Director-General in 1904. He succeeded to this post under circumstances of considerable difficulty. Reform was in the air and was urgently required in the medical department as well as elsewhere. Unfortunately the initiative in medical matters had to a considerable extent drifted from the medical department, and it was to regain this initiative that Sir Herbert directed his efforts. By his force of character and absolute straightforwardness he attained his object, and in this way, although no notable reforms were carried out in his time, he paved the way to their possibility in the future. From 1905-1910 he was Honorary Physician to King Edward VII, and to King George from his accession. Sir Herbert Mackay Ellis commanded attention by his fine physique and presence. In 1893 he married Mary Lily, eldest daughter of G B Ellicombe, of Rocklands, Chudleigh, Devon. He left no family. He died on September 30th, 1912, at his residence, Leavesden, Weybridge.