William Beatty

Sir William Beatty (April 1773 – 25 March 1842) was an Irish surgeon who served in the Royal Navy. Born in Derry, Ireland, he joined as a surgeon's mate in 1791 at the age of 18. He is best known as the ship's surgeon aboard HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar, at which he witnessed the death of Admiral Horatio Nelson, and for writing an account of that battle – Authentic Narrative of the Death of Lord Nelson.

Early life and education

William Beatty was the eldest son of James Beatty, an officer in the Irish Revenue Service, and Anne Smyth. He

was born in the Waterside district of Derry, the eldest of four sons and two daughters.

No records survive of his education, though he attended a local school, most likely Foyle College, before beginning his medical studies. He may have been apprenticed to his uncle George Smyth, a half-pay naval surgeon in nearby Buncrana, before studying at either the University of Glasgow or at "The United Hospitals of the Borough" - the joint medical school of Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London. What is known is that on 5 May 1791, the 18-year-old Beatty was examined before the London Company of Surgeons, and found qualified for employment by the Navy.

Surgeon's mate

Beatty was appointed second surgeon's mate aboard the 64-gun third-rate ship Dictator, but was soon reassigned, moving to the 32-gun frigate Iphigenia in September 1791. He was promoted to first surgeon's mate of the 32-gun frigate Hermione on 1 February 1793, the same day that Revolutionary France declared war on Britain.