MB ChB Manch 1922; DLO Eng 1939.
Appleton was born in Old Trafford, Manchester on 18 March 1901. He was educated at Manchester Grammar School and the University of Manchester. He held house positions at MRI, Manchester Ear Hospital, and Central London Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital. From 1940 he served as an ENT specialist in the RAMC. On return to civilian life he was appointed surgeon at the ENT department of North Ormesby Hospital, Middlesbrough and the Ear, Nose and Throat Centre at North Riding Infirmary. Appleton was appointed consultant aural surgeon at Teeside General Hospitals. He was medical officer to Manchester United Football Club.