RJW Appleton

[Guy Bagnall]

I am trying to trace details of an Appleton family from Kent, from the late 19th to the late 20th Century. RJW Appleton (1910-93) was a racing driver in the 1930s, and the Managing Director of a company called ESA, the third generation in that position, going back to 1883. JMW lived at 14 Bird-in-Hand Lane, Bickley, Kent, his wife's name was Mary, and he was known as Johnny.

[ShaunJ]

Ronald John Walter Appleton of that address died on 6 October 1994 per the probate register.

He married Hylda Ayloffe Baker in 1936.

[CaroleW]

He was b 1910 Lewisham per www.freebmd.org.uk & his mothers maiden name was Roberts

Parents Llewellyn Appleton & Annie Edith Muriel Roberts married 19.5.1907 St Paul Forest Hill

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XWDW-6GW

[DCB]

In 1921, Ronald John Walter Appleton, born in Forest Hill, London, was at Windlesham House School, Portslade by Sea, Sussex

In 1939, born on 23rd April 1910, he was staying at the Cromwell Hotel, 25 High Street, Stevenage.
Occupation is slightly obscure but looks like Director in charge of woodworking for armaments for the Admiralty.
He was also a Hertfordshire Special Constable.

Some articles in newspapers:-

In 1954, he was sacked as Director of the Educational Supply Association, but came back with a share bid.

Married Susan Ayloffe Baker in 1936.

Mentions of motoring offences.

David

[CaroleW]

He married Hylda Ayloffe Baker - not Susan - in 1936.  See reply by Shaun above

She was actually b Hilda - not Hylda in 1908

There is a tree on Ancestry

[ShaunJ]

Here's the marriage report - so was Hilda/Hylda known as Susan, or is it a mistake? 

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-share/331027e2-4420-4ab7-abef-cf1434b88a41

[CaroleW]

Error in newspaper

Per freebmd & GRO online

Births June qtr 1908

Hilda Ayloffe Baker Bishop Stortford. 3A 783 mmn Atkinson

[CaroleW]

In 1911 she is Hylda Ayloffe Baker parents Edmund Ernest & Henrietta Amy

Henrietta was b in Calcutta & marriage was in India

[ShaunJ]

RJW's parents most likely Llewellyn Appleton and Annie Edith Muriel Roberts. Married in Swansea in 1907

Image https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=GBPRS%2FWAL%2F4266573%2F00146&parentid=GBPRS%2FM%2F858048603%2F1

His father was Walter Pewtress Appleton. The family business was envelope manufacturing.

See https://pastonglass.wordpress.com/2020/10/01/a-house-through-the-ages-s2-ep5-changing-names/