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The Un-killable Man
Sir Adrian Paul Ghislain Carton de Wiart was a man whose life story reads like an epic adventure novel. Born on May 5, 1880, in Brussels, Belgium, he was the son of Belgian aristocrat Léon Constant Ghislain Carton de Wiart and his wife, Louise Marie Ghislaine. From a young age, Carton de Wiart displayed a spirit of resilience and adventure that would define his remarkable life.
Early Life and Military Service
Carton de Wiart’s early years were marked by tragedy and upheaval. At the age of eight, his father passed away, leaving him to be raised by his mother. Despite the loss, he excelled academically and attended boarding school in England before enrolling at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels.
In 1899, Carton de Wiart began his military career by joining the British Army as a second lieutenant in the 4th Dragoon Guards. His early years in the military saw him serving in India and South Africa during the Second Boer War, where he displayed courage and leadership under fire. He was wounded several times during these conflicts, foreshadowing the remarkable resilience he would demonstrate throughout his life.
World War I
The outbreak of World War I in 1914 found Carton de Wiart serving as a staff officer in the British Expeditionary Force. His bravery and strategic acumen quickly earned him promotions, and he rose through the ranks despite suffering numerous injuries on the battlefield. During the course of the war, he was shot in the face, head, stomach, ankle, leg, hip, and ear, as well as losing an eye and a hand.
Despite these injuries, Carton de Wiart continued to lead from the front, earning a reputation for his fearlessness and determination. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the British Empire, for his actions during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. His citation praised his “conspicuous bravery, coolness, and determination” in the face of overwhelming odds.
Between the Wars
