[1] Crocker was educated at a private school in Plymouth.
In 1864, Crocker joined the Sarawak civil service, eventually deputising for the Rajah, although from 1870–1874 he was involved in business, operating a sago factory at Mukah.
In 1887, he became Governor of British North Borneo, but only for a year.
The Crocker Range in Sabah, Borneo is now named after him.
William Maunder Crocker was born in South Tawton, on the north edge of Dartmoor, the son of Emanuel, a tailor, and Susan.