WAS ON IMPORTANT MISSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 49, 27 February 1941, Page 6

WAS ON IMPORTANT MISSION

SIR FREDERICK BANTING LIFE LOST IN AEROPLANE CRASH OTTAWA, Feb. 25. Mr. Mackenzie King announced that Sir Frederick Banting, one of the discoverers of insulin, was killed in an air crash while on his way to Britain on a mission of high national and scientific importance.” He added that Sir Frederick Banting was working on medical problems associated with “speed, height and law temperatures involved in the operation of modern aircraft.” Dean D. J. MaeKenzie, acting-Presi-dent of the National Research Council. said Sir Frederick Banting was engaged in work “as great, if not as spectacular, as the discovery of insulin. The story cannot be told now, but it will be a great story after the war.” Meanwhile, it is reported in Government circles that Sir Frederick Banting was taking to England a method countering gas attacks which was expected to nullify to a degree any German effort to utilise gas warfare in the expected invasion attempt. It is understood that Sir Frederick Banting’s plane lost its bearings in a storm and flew blind for hours. The engine failed and it crashed. Three occupants were killed instantly. The pilot, Captain Mackey, suffered bruises. Captain Mackey, who is famous for his skill and daring, was the sole survivor. He was taken to Musgrave Harbour by a search party.