Ernest Stocker was the son of Archdeacon Harry Stocker and Eleanor Mary Stocker, of 111 Springfield Rd., Christchurch, New Zealand. One of nine children; Edith Margery (b.1889), Lancelot (b.1882), Doris Mary (b.1892), Ernest (b.1888), Harry (b.1873), Archibald (b.1876), Hugh (b.1885), Marian Fey (b.1883), Eleanor Kate (b.1879).

Described as a naturalist and a lover of nature (Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144837, 15 November 1915, Page 2).

Brothers Bombardier Hugh and Private Lancelot Stocker were both killed in action. Hugh was killed in action in the Somme on 15th September 1916 and Lancelot in Messines on 29 May 1917. Another brother Lieutentant Valentine Stocker also served in Gallipoli and received a Military Cross in 1916. His father Venerable Archdeacon Harry Stocker, B.A. - Chaplain 2nd Class, New Zealand Chaplains Department part of the Territorial Force. AWMM