A Lewisham surgeon has swapped his white coat for the red carpet in Leicester Square after helping the makers of a critically-acclaimed British war movie.

Cardio-vascular surgeon Eddie Chaloner, from Lewisham Hospital, replaced the operating theatre for film, after being asked to advise on medical issues on true-to-life war film Kajaki. 

Kajaki - described by film critic Mark Kermode as "gripping and tense" - depicts the true tale of a group of soldiers stranded in a deadly minefield while stationed at the Kajaki Dam in Afghanistan in 2006. 

Director Paul Katis wanted to ensure that the portrayal of the characters' injuries throughout the movie were completely authentic and Mr Chaloner advised the on set team on everything from the aftermath of landmines to the legitimate medical techniques and equipment used.

The surgeon said: "What drew me to the film was the director’s determination that it would be a realistic portrayal, rather than a glamorised Hollywood rendition, of the war in Afghanistan. There were many aspects of the project which resonated with me."

He added: "Whilst still a junior surgeon, I served two tours in Afghanistan and then further stints in Mozambique, Angola, Sri Lanka and Northern Iraq with HALO Trust, the landmine clearing charity, and served with 144 Parachute Sqn of the Royal Army Medical corps."

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Combining his knowledge and experience meant Eddie Chaloner was able to add true accuracy to the film.

He said: "I was able to advise the director on what a minestrike explosion actually looks like close up from personal experience. I was able to help with the portrayal of injuries from my collection of injury photographs."

Mr Chaloner added : "I would urge everyone to see this important and unflinchingly honest film to really appreciate what our soldiers are prepared to endure on our behalf."

The film is out now.