The Remarkable Life of Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart

The Remarkable Life of Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart

In 2006, the Mexican beer brand Dos Equis launched an ad campaign featuring Jonathan Goldsmith as the "Most Interesting Man in the World." The campaign was wildly successful, transforming Dos Equis into one of the most popular imported beers in the US. Goldsmith claimed he based his character on his friend Fernando Lamas, a famous actor and director who lived an adventurous life. However, the real-life subject of today's story makes even Lamas seem dull in comparison. This is the story of Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart, a man whose life was so extraordinary that it reads like a Hollywood script.

Born on May 5, 1880, in Brussels, Belgium, Adrian Carton de Wiart came from a family of Belgian aristocrats. There were even rumors that he might have been the illegitimate son of King Leopold II of Belgium. Adrian’s family moved frequently, eventually settling in Egypt. At 11, Adrian was sent to boarding school in England, where he excelled in sports but showed little interest in academics. Despite his academic struggles, his connections helped him get into Oxford to study law. However, his heart wasn’t in it, and he spent most of his time playing sports and drinking.

In 1899, the outbreak of the Second Boer War provided Adrian with an escape from his studies. He dropped out of Oxford and enlisted in the British Army under a false identity, eager to experience the romanticized version of military life. His first taste of combat was brief and painful; he was shot in the groin and stomach, which led to his return to England. Despite his injuries, Adrian realized he loved the thrill of warfare.

Adrian's father eventually allowed him to pursue a military career, and he went on to fight in various conflicts. His early years in the military included a stint in India, where he indulged in sports and hunting. In 1907, he became a British citizen and, the following year, married Countess Frederica Fugger, a member of a prominent German banking family.

In 1914, when World War I broke out, Adrian was eager to join the action. Initially, he was sent to fight in British Somaliland, where he was shot twice in the face during a raid. Remarkably, he survived but lost his left eye. He returned to England and, within weeks, managed to convince the military board to send him to the Western Front in France.

During World War I, Adrian participated in several major battles, including the Somme and Passchendaele. He was shot multiple times, resulting in numerous hospital stays and even the amputation of his left hand. Despite his injuries, Adrian’s bravery and resilience made him a legendary figure among his peers. His love for war was evident in his famous quote, “Frankly, I enjoyed the war.”

After the war, Adrian led the British military mission to Poland, helping the newly formed Second Polish Republic. During this period, he survived a plane crash, was imprisoned by Lithuanians, and even got involved in a duel. His time in Poland also saw him working closely with notable figures, including the future Pope Pius XI and the Finnish President Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim.

In 1923, Adrian retired from the military and chose to settle in Poland. He was offered a house on an island estate by Prince Karol Radziwiłł, a former aide. For the next 15 years, Adrian lived as a Polish nobleman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and social events.

Adrian Carton de Wiart's life was a series of incredible adventures and near-death experiences. He was shot multiple times, survived plane crashes, and endured numerous injuries, yet his spirit remained unbroken. His story is a testament to his extraordinary resilience and passion for life. Truly, he was one of the most interesting men to ever walk the earth.