Lionel Whitby facts for kids

Sir Lionel Ernest Howard Whitby (born May 8, 1895 – died November 24, 1956) was a very important British doctor who studied blood, a brave soldier, and a university leader. He was a top professor at the University of Cambridge from 1945 to 1956. He also led Downing College, Cambridge as its Master and was even the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 1951 to 1953.

His Early Years and Education

Lionel Whitby was born on May 8, 1895, in a town called Yeovil in Somerset, England. He was the second of three sons. He went to two private schools: King's College, Taunton and Bromsgrove School.

In 1914, after finishing school, he won a special scholarship to study at Downing College, Cambridge. But he didn't go to university right away. Instead, when World War I started, he decided to join the army.

After the war, he returned to his studies. In October 1918, he finally started at Downing College, Cambridge, to study medicine. He then moved to Middlesex Hospital in London to finish his training. He won several awards for his studies. In 1923, he became a doctor. He also earned a special diploma in Public Health in 1924.

Serving in World War I

Instead of going straight to university, Lionel Whitby joined the Royal Fusiliers as a private soldier when World War I began. He quickly moved up the ranks. In May 1915, he became a second lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment. He trained to be a machine gun officer.

He fought in many important battles and places during the war. These included the Serbian Campaign, the Gallipoli campaign, the Macedonian front, and the Western Front. In 1917, he showed great bravery at the Battle of Passchendaele. For his courage, he was awarded the Military Cross.

In March 1918, he was badly wounded in battle. He lost one of his legs. An American doctor saved his life by stopping a serious bleed. On November 15, 1918, he left the army because of his injuries. He was given the honorary rank of major.

Becoming a Doctor and Researcher

In 1923, after finishing his medical training, Whitby started working at Middlesex Hospital as a pathologist's assistant. A pathologist is a doctor who studies diseases. In 1927, he earned a higher medical degree from Cambridge University.

From 1928 to 1929, he was part of the medical team that looked after the sick King George V. For the next ten years, he worked as a clinical pathologist. This is where he began his important research into haematology, which is the study of blood.

Sir Lionel Whitby was also a very dedicated researcher. Between 1935 and 1938, he studied a new group of medicines called sulphonamides. He made a big discovery by improving 'M and B 693'. This was one of the first antibiotic medicines.

He also wrote several important books during this time. These included Medical Bacteriology (1928), The Laboratory in Surgical Practice (1931), and Disorders of the Blood (1935).

Helping in World War II

Even after his first military service, Whitby continued to serve his country. On July 12, 1938, he was promoted to colonel in the Royal Army Medical Corps. When World War II started on September 2, 1939, he was called back to active duty.

He was promoted to brigadier on March 1, 1942. At this time, he was in charge of the Army Blood Transfusion Service at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. This service was vital for saving soldiers' lives by providing blood transfusions.

Family Life

Lionel Whitby married Ethel Murgatroyd in 1922. His wife was also a qualified surgeon and physician, which means she was a doctor too.

They had three sons and one daughter. One of their sons, Lionel Gordon Whitby, also became a famous biochemist. Sir Lionel Whitby passed away in London.

Awards and Recognition

Sir Lionel Whitby received many honours for his important work. In 1929, he was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). This was to thank him for helping to treat King George V.

In 1945, he was made a Knight Bachelor by King George VI at Buckingham Palace. This was to recognize his amazing work in developing the sulphonamide group of drugs.

In 1938, he won the John Hunter medal and prize for his work on sulphapyridine. In July 1945, he received the Gold Medal of the Royal Society of Medicine. This was for his work on treating wound shock and improving blood transfusions. The president of the Royal Society of Medicine even joked that Whitby was "the greatest vampire the world has known" because of his work with blood!