During the Black Sea Campaign of the Crimean War in 1854-55 he served with the Royal Fusiliers, was present at the Battle of Alma, where he was wounded, and the Battle of Inkerman; the Siege of Sevastopol, including the sorties on 5 April and 9 May, the defence of the Quarries on 7 June, and the assault on the Redan on 18 June, where he was again wounded. Appleyard was mentioned in dispatches, receiving the Crimea Medal with three clasps.