Celebrate Sir Paul Boffa’s life and heroic service on the 61st anniversary of his passing
Sir Paul Boffa is a decorated war hero.
61 years ago today, Sir Paul Boffa passed away at the age of 72 leaving behind quite an impressive legacy. Unbeknownst to many, many elements of modern Malta would cease to exist without this historical icon’s selfless dedication.
Sir Paul Boffa was born on 30th June 1890 in the historic city of Birgu. In 1921, he married Genoveffa Cecy, with whom he had four children – Salvino, Hilda, Joseph, and Carmelina.
Sir Boffa had studied at the University of Malta and managed to become a doctor. Soon after graduating, he put his medical degree to heroic use by enlisting with the Royal Marine Corps, wherein he helped injured World War I soldiers in Malta, Salonika and even hospital ships.
His service as a doctor extended to World War II as well, throughout which period he served with distinction as a District Commissioner and ARP Medical Officer around the Cottonera, Paola, Tarxien, and Luqa areas.
For his efforts in both wars, Sir Boffa was decorated with pretty much every British Army Medal you can think of – this includes the OBE, the 1914-18 Star, the General Service Medal, the Victory Medal, the Coronation Medal, and the Defence Medal. He was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1956.
War efforts aside, Sir Boffa also wanted to help improve the Maltese people’s way of life. For this reason, he became involved in politics throughout his adult life.
Sir Boffa joined the Labour Party in 1923 eventually and was elected as Malta's first-ever Labour Prime Minister in the November 1947 general election.
During his time in politics, Sir Boffa was absolutely instrumental in granting women the right to vote.
Apart from that, he also fought for the recognition of the Maltese in the courts of law at a time when the language was considered to be too colloquial and undeserving of high status.
He championed educational rights that many now take for granted, including making education compulsory until the age of 14.
Additionally, he introduced the pension system that so many Maltese elderly still rely on to this day.
When interviewed by the Times of Malta, Sir Boffa’s nephew, Fr Marius, spoke at length about his uncle’s greatness.
“I admired him even more for who he was, his humanity, his sense of justice. No one ever accused him of any scandal while he was in office and I do not know of anyone who claimed he was hurt by him”, he said.
“He was, essentially, a doctor, a good doctor, who gave free medical service to the poor twice a week, and I think his politics were only an extension of what he felt was his mission as a doctor”, he continued.
In 1976, the formerly known King George V Hospital was renamed after Sir Boffa to honour the late doctor’s service.
Thank you for your services, Sir Boffa!