Sir Frederick Banting: A Detailed Biography

Sir Frederick Grant Banting (1891–1941) was the Canadian physician and researcher who co-discovered insulin — one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923 at age 32 (the youngest ever), he shared the honour and prize money with Charles Best. A decorated WWI veteran and WWII casualty, he is Canada’s most celebrated scientist. This biography covers his Ontario childhood, the famous 1920 “midnight idea”, insulin discovery, Nobel controversy, and tragic death, as documented by the Banting Legacy Foundation, the Nobel Prize Organisation, and the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Early Life in Alliston

Farm Boy and Medical Student

Born on November 14, 1891, on a farm near Alliston, Ontario, Banting was the youngest of five children of Methodist farmer William Banting and Margaret Grant. He studied medicine at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1916.

World War I Hero

Banting served as a medical officer in France, was wounded at Cambrai (1918), and stayed on the battlefield to treat others, earning the Military Cross, as recorded by the Veterans Affairs Canada.

The Insulin Idea

Midnight of October 31, 1920

While preparing a lecture in London, Ontario, Banting read an article on the pancreas and woke at 2 a.m. with the idea: tie off pancreatic ducts to isolate internal secretion (later called insulin). He wrote in his notebook: “Tie up the duct of the pancreas of dogs…”, as preserved at Banting House.

Discovery of Insulin (1921–1922)

With J.J.R. Macleod’s lab at the University of Toronto and assistance from Charles Best and biochemist James Collip, Banting’s team extracted insulin from animal pancreases. On January 11, 1922, 14-year-old Leonard Thompson received the first successful injection — saving his life, as documented by the Diabetes UK.

Nobel Prize and Controversy

In 1923 Banting and Macleod were awarded the Nobel Prize. Furious that Best was excluded, Banting announced he would share his prize money with Best; Macleod shared his with Collip. Banting remains the youngest Medicine laureate ever, as recorded by the Nobel Prize site.

Later Career and WWII

Knighted in 1934, Banting researched aviation medicine and cancer. In 1941 he volunteered to fly secret medical documents to Britain. His Lockheed Hudson crashed in Newfoundland on February 21, 1941; he died trying to save the pilot.

Personal Life

Married Marion Robertson in 1924 (divorced 1932); one son, William. Married Henrietta Ball in 1937; they had three sons. Known for painting with A.Y. Jackson of the Group of Seven.

Death and Legacy

Sir Frederick Banting’s Enduring Impact

Banting died on February 21, 1941, aged 49. The Banting Research Foundation, Banting House National Historic Site, and Banting crater on the Moon honour him. Insulin has saved hundreds of millions of lives. November 14 (his birthday) is World Diabetes Day, as celebrated by the International Diabetes Federation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frederick Banting

Why Is Frederick Banting Famous?

For co-discovering insulin — one of the greatest medical advances ever.

Who Really Discovered Insulin?

Banting (idea), Best (experiments), Collip (purification), Macleod (lab) — all four shared the Nobel.

Where Was Frederick Banting Born?

Alliston, Ontario, November 14, 1891.

Was Banting the Youngest Nobel Medicine Winner?

Yes — age 32 in 1923.

Did Banting Serve in World War I?

Yes — wounded and awarded Military Cross.

What Is the Banting House?

London, Ontario — where he had the insulin idea; now a museum.

How Did Frederick Banting Die?

Plane crash on February 21, 1941, aged 49.