Walter was born in Stowupland the son of Mary Edward and her husband Walter Pettit Tricker (1794- 1874, husbandman). He was baptised on 18th August, 1823.

He was one of 10 children though the brother born the year before him died before Walter was born.

He had an older brother and an older sister. He never learned to read or write and is described as a labourer when he joined the 65th Regiment in November 1845.

At age 15 or 16,  just after the birth of his youngest sibling he was found guilty of stealing 5 tame rabbits from George Barabrd of Stowmarket. He was sentenced to be transported for 14 years. He was held in a prison hulk awaiting transportation but his parents appealed his sentence. The sentence was adjusted to 7 years and the sentence to be served in England.

In 1845 Walter enlisted with the 65th )2nd Yorkshire, North Riding) Regiment of Foot and in 1846 was onboard the East Indiaman Jave bound for Van Dieman’s Land.

Their were many clashes between the British Army and Maoris, for his service Walter was awarded the New Zealand Medal.

He purchased his discharge for £20 on 31 December 1849, later he married and had 11 children and settled into a farming life.

Life did not always go smoothly as he was accused of murder and found guilty. However in 1870 Tricker was released but did not receive a full pardon till 1891. Eventually through hard work he re-established himself and by his death in 1907 had a substantial property.