William was born in 1892 in Rutland, son of Edward J. Crocker, born in Southampton in 1864, a butler, and Susan (nee Starling) born in Cottesmore, Rutland in 1858.

Born - 1892
Address - 36 Bayhall Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Occupation - Railway Clerk.
Enlisted - 20 May 1915
Service History - 2/1st (3/1st?)West Kent Yeomanry (Queen's Own) - No.1930
                           Home Defence Army Cyclists Coy - Attached 18 Nov 1916
                           25th London Regt. - 22 Nov 1917 - 3 Aug 1919. A/Sgt No.742570 
It appears that William only served at home and not overseas.