Career
Educated at King Edward VI School in Totnes, Stapleton joined the Royal Air Force in 1936. He served in the Second World War in the Middle East, North Africa and Italy. After the War he became Assistant Secretary (Air) in 1945, Secretary of the Chiefs of Staff Committee in 1947 and Station Commander at Royal Air Force Odiham in 1949.
After spending much of the 1950s plans in various military headquarters, He went on to be Director of Plans at the Air Ministry in March 1961, Director of Defence Plans at the Ministry of Defence in 1963 and Air Officer Commanding Number.
1 Group Royal Air Force in May 1964. After that he became Commandant of the Royal Air Force Staff College, Bracknell in June 1966 before retiring in April 1968.