Born in Malta 29 June 1890 the eldest of three brothers who distinguished themselves in the small medical school of the ancient Royal University of Malta: Emanuele (MD 1922) became an ophthalmologist in New York, Joseph Edward (MD 1925) became Professor of Medicine at Malta, FRCP and CBE; two members of the next generation also practised in Malta, Francis (MD 1949) and Anthony Hugh (MD 1955). Peter Paul graduated in 1910 and then came to London for a year's postgraduate work. He taught anatomy and pathology at Malta 1912-14, and served as pathologist to the RNMS and the RAMC 1914-18. He was medical officer of health for Malta 1918-19. He gained the Fellowship at the end of 1920 after working at St Bartholomew's Hospital, and worked in Manchester till 1922. During the war he had come under the inspiring influence of Sir Charles Ballance FRCS in treating the wounded from Gallipoli at Malta, and decided to take up surgery rather than pursue pathology and bacteriology in which he would have made his mark. Returning to Malta he was appointed surgeon to the Central Hospital, and was Professor of Surgery 1926-51. He was created OBE in 1944 for his services during the war of 1939-45, when Malta suffered intense air-bombardment. He was nominated to the Executive Council of the Island for 1936-39, and was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1947. He served as Minister of Health, and was finally Speaker of the Assembly. He was assistant secretary of the Malta branch of the British Medical Association 1919-23, Secretary 1923-30, and president in 1935-37 and 1942-43. He married in 1918 L Briffa, who survived him with their two daughters; he died in Malta on 3 June 1958 aged 67.