Sir Francis Douglas: a forgotten Governor?

Abstract

Referring to previously published online sources and a small personal collection, Christopher Grech gives an insight into the personal and political life of and of Sir Francis Campbell Ross Douglas. Sir Francis was born Canada in 1889 to a poultry farmer, Francis James Boswell Douglas and mother, Helen Blair. After his education at the Glasgow University, he eventually married Minnie Finlay Smith, a school teacher in 1914. Prior to his political affiliations, he also worked as a British journalist, accountant and solicitor. Grech’s article highlights the many overseas and local administrative positions held by Sir Francis. It also serves as an interesting commentary on the lack of approval and recognition within Maltese history - irrespective of the former Governor’s (1946 - 1949) National importance. Sir Francis Campbell Ross Douglas died in 1980. The article is part of the Life & Well being section and features images from the author’s personal collection.