War rudely interrupted the development of the business. Basil was called up and proudly joined the Royal Navy (despite suffering from sea sickness), where he contributed to the war effort by working  as an engineer onboard a landing craft, transporting troops to France on D Day. While Basil was serving his country the charging of accumulator batteries (which were used to power ones wireless) took place in the barn. Basil met Mabs  who was serving in the WRAF and stationed at Ringway. They went on to marry and had two children Roslyn and Gerrard and seven Grandchildren. Gerrard joined the business aged 15 years and worked his way through the ranks,  serving his apprenticeship and attending college in the evening to gain further qualifications. Basil worked in the business until the year 2000 when he became ill and died in 2001 aged 79 years.

Gerrard, now married and a proud father and doting grandparent has sole charge and business is thriving, mostly due to personal recommendation from loyal customers. Appletons prides itself on the quality and service it delivers and the personal touch, which is synonymous with a family run business of long standing.