Programme Manager for Medical Humanities stars in 'Trafalgar'

9 September 2005

Working at the Wellcome Trust is rarely a route to silver screen stardom, but Tony Woods, Programme Manager for Medical Humanities, came close to enjoying 15 minutes of fame thanks to a history of medicine grant.

This year has been the 200th anniversary of Nelson's victory (and death) at Trafalgar. In 2003, Professor Laurence Brockliss and film director Justin Hardy sought funding to research the role of Sir William Beatty, surgeon on HMS Victory, and Navy doctors in the battle. The superior health and fitness of the British crewmen may have been an important factor in the eventual British victory.

The funding was approved, the research carried out, and the final film, Trafalgar, was shown on Channel 4 in August 2005. Critically acclaimed, it was watched by some 1.4 million viewers.

During filming both research assistant Dr John Cardwell and Dr Woods had the honour of appearing as extras in battle scenes. "Directions were shouted to me and I duly obliged to look sad at the demise of a midshipman," explained Dr Woods modestly. Sadly, most of his epic performance ended up on the cutting room floor.