Charlie Appleby (speedway rider)

Appleby was a member of the Hackney Wick Wolves team that won the National League Division II Championship in 1938.^[3] He signed for Crystal Palace Glaziers for the 1939 Speedway National League Division Two season but the team withdrew from the league after 10 matches.^[4]

After the end of World War II, Appleby returned to the UK and was signed by the Birmingham Brummies. He was enjoying a steady season but on 7 October he was involved in a crash at Brough Park.^[5]

During the Northern League fixture on 7 October, Appleby crashed in an effort to avoid a fallen rider in front. Appleby swerved and hit the machine instead. He was thrown into the air and suffered a fractured skull. He was taken to Newcastle Infirmary but died during the early hours of 8 October.^[6]

• Rider deaths in motorcycle speedway