Advance and Be Recognised: The Autobiography of A. W. Stapleton 1896 –1978 is an absorbing life story. Arthur was a young man from working class roots, who was thrown into the horrors of war. He was a machine gunner in WW1 and an Air Raid Warden in WW2. Arthur Stapleton founded Advance Electronics before retiring a wealthy man.‘Reading his words was like seeing a blood-filled horror film play out in my mind. My eyes saw the scene evolve, my mind absorbing the vision of mangled corpses hanging on wire. Bodies unrecognisable as individuals, surrounded by severed limbs, half submerged in mud. Death without dignity. ‘It was not a story about a faceless soldier facing death on a daily basis – it was about my dad. I learned more about him after his death than when he was alive. I would like you to know him as well.’ These words are by Marion, the author’s daughter, adopted from within the family.This autobiography is an absorbing read, both for those interested in WW1 and in what it takes to succeed in business.
I had no idea in what esteem my father was held within the electronics industry, until a book full of published obituaries was sent to me. One contained the words, “I doubt if it is a happier ship than when Stapleton was at the helm.” These words remain with me. My parents were of grandparent age so I knew little of his pioneering in this capacity. He was the founder of Advance Electronics, and started his business in a poultry shed in 1922 after surviving service in the First World War.
Reading his words about his time fighting for king and country was like seeing a blood filled horror film play out in my mind. Every now and then as I read his words I became choked with emotion. It was not a story about a soldier facing death on a daily basis… it was about my dad. I learned more about him after his death than when he was alive. I would like you to know him as well.
– These words are written by Marion, the author's adopted daughter, from within the family.
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3 reviews
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This is a truly gripping autobiography by Arthur William Stapleton. A richly detailed picture of what life was like for him.
An Addictive read ....packed with the horrors he had gone through as well as his success!
Well worth a read !!!
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Execellent read and insight to WW1 and Arthur Williams Stapleton a great man who I am sure would have been and inspiration to alot of people.
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I was given a copy of this book by the author`s daughter, Marion Stapleton Harley, who has done an excellent job of arranging the publication of these aspects of her father`s life story. I was very moved to read A.W. Stapleton`s account of his experiences - some humorous, some poignant - of his early life and the hardships endured by those around him, and then of his role as an active soldier with his vivid description of how it felt to be in front line fighting. Again, he has used his skill as an amateur author to bring to life the horror and the lighter moments of army life.
When he was fortunate enough to survive warfare and return to civilian life, AW Stapleton gives an equally vivid account of how he built up his business and of the interesting and productive work relationships he developed in so doing.
Throughout his account of all that befell him, AW Stapleton`s personality as a warm, humorous and intelligent man shines through his writing.
I would thoroughly recommend Advance and Be Recognised to anyone in need of a good book.
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