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The Unkillable Soldier: The Extraordinary Life of Adrian Carton De Wiart
The Most Wounded Warrior in British Military History
Shot in the face, head, stomach, ankle, leg, hip, and ear. Survived two plane crashes. Tunneled out of a prisoner-of-war camp. Lost an eye and a hand, then pulled off his own mangled fingers when a doctor refused to amputate them. His response to it all? "Frankly, I enjoyed the war."
A True Story That Defies Belief
Lieutenant-General Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart, VC lived through what should have killed him a dozen times over. This meticulously researched biography unveils the astounding true story of Britain's most decorated and wounded warrior—a man whose life reads like fiction but is documented historical fact.
From Belgian Aristocrat to Churchill's Personal Representative
Born in Brussels, educated across three continents, Carton de Wiart transformed himself into the quintessential British officer. His extraordinary six-decade military career spanned five major conflicts from the Boer War to World War II, serving everyone from King Albert of Belgium to Winston Churchill to Chiang Kai-shek.
Drawing on extensive archival research, military records, and personal correspondence, archaeologist R Jay Driskill reconstructs the remarkable journey of a one-eyed, one-handed general
Earned the Victoria Cross leading troops at the Battle of the SommeCommanded forces during the disastrous Norwegian campaignSurvived 19 months in Italian prisoner-of-war campsServed as Churchill's eyes and ears in wartime ChinaWitnessed the Japanese surrender that ended World War IIMore Than Military History—A Study in Human Resilience
This definitive biography explores the psychological dimensions of extraordinary courage and what it costs. How does a man survive eleven major combat wounds? What drives someone to repeatedly return to battle despite devastating injuries? How did visible disabilities become sources of distinction rather than limitation?
Carton de Wiart's story illuminates the transformation of warfare across the twentieth century—from colonial mounted charges to industrial trench warfare to global mechanized conflict. His adaptability across dramatically different operational environments demonstrates timeless leadership principles that remain relevant today.
Perfect for readers
Max Hastings and Antony Beevor military historiesWinston Churchill biographies and memoirsWorld War I and II military leadership studiesStories of extraordinary human endurance and resilienceA warrior's odyssey through the conflicts that shaped the modern world—where every incredible detail is documented fact, not fiction.
Shot in the face, head, stomach, ankle, leg, hip, and ear. Survived two plane crashes. Tunneled out of a prisoner-of-war camp. Lost an eye and a hand, then pulled off his own mangled fingers when a doctor refused to amputate them. His response to it all? "Frankly, I enjoyed the war."
A True Story That Defies Belief
Lieutenant-General Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart, VC lived through what should have killed him a dozen times over. This meticulously researched biography unveils the astounding true story of Britain's most decorated and wounded warrior—a man whose life reads like fiction but is documented historical fact.
From Belgian Aristocrat to Churchill's Personal Representative
Born in Brussels, educated across three continents, Carton de Wiart transformed himself into the quintessential British officer. His extraordinary six-decade military career spanned five major conflicts from the Boer War to World War II, serving everyone from King Albert of Belgium to Winston Churchill to Chiang Kai-shek.
Drawing on extensive archival research, military records, and personal correspondence, archaeologist R Jay Driskill reconstructs the remarkable journey of a one-eyed, one-handed general
Earned the Victoria Cross leading troops at the Battle of the SommeCommanded forces during the disastrous Norwegian campaignSurvived 19 months in Italian prisoner-of-war campsServed as Churchill's eyes and ears in wartime ChinaWitnessed the Japanese surrender that ended World War IIMore Than Military History—A Study in Human Resilience
This definitive biography explores the psychological dimensions of extraordinary courage and what it costs. How does a man survive eleven major combat wounds? What drives someone to repeatedly return to battle despite devastating injuries? How did visible disabilities become sources of distinction rather than limitation?
Carton de Wiart's story illuminates the transformation of warfare across the twentieth century—from colonial mounted charges to industrial trench warfare to global mechanized conflict. His adaptability across dramatically different operational environments demonstrates timeless leadership principles that remain relevant today.
Perfect for readers
Max Hastings and Antony Beevor military historiesWinston Churchill biographies and memoirsWorld War I and II military leadership studiesStories of extraordinary human endurance and resilienceA warrior's odyssey through the conflicts that shaped the modern world—where every incredible detail is documented fact, not fiction.
- GenresHistory
Audible Audio
Published January 6, 2026
7 people are currently reading
898 people want to read
About the author
R. Jay Driskill
6 books17 followersR Jay Driskill brings a unique blend of journalistic storytelling and archaeological expertise to his exploration of ancient civilizations. A University of Florida graduate and Army veteran, he spent two decades in the newspaper business, honing his research skills and ability to make complex subjects accessible to broad audiences. This foundation proved invaluable when he pivoted to pursue his lifelong passion for archaeology and anthropology.
As both an archaeologist and anthropologist, Driskill specializes in Bronze Age civilizations, with particular expertise in the mysterious collapse that ended this pivotal period in human history. His academic rigor, combined with his journalist's eye for compelling narrative, allows him to bridge the gap between scholarly research and engaging popular history.
His four-book "Sunset in Bronze" series represents years of meticulous research into some of archaeology's most enduring mysteries. "Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma" and "Raiders of the Bronze Age Collapse: The Sea Peoples in Legend, History, and Archaeology" launch the series, followed by "Ghosts of Arzawa: Beyond the Trojan War Myth" and "Song of a Lost City: Troy in Myth, Fiction, and Fact." Each volume combines cutting-edge archaeological evidence with historical analysis to shed new light on civilizations that shaped our world.
When not excavating the mysteries of the ancient world, Driskill enjoys time with his children and grandchildren at his Alabama home, where he's also developing works of fiction that draw upon his deep knowledge of the ancient world.
As both an archaeologist and anthropologist, Driskill specializes in Bronze Age civilizations, with particular expertise in the mysterious collapse that ended this pivotal period in human history. His academic rigor, combined with his journalist's eye for compelling narrative, allows him to bridge the gap between scholarly research and engaging popular history.
His four-book "Sunset in Bronze" series represents years of meticulous research into some of archaeology's most enduring mysteries. "Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma" and "Raiders of the Bronze Age Collapse: The Sea Peoples in Legend, History, and Archaeology" launch the series, followed by "Ghosts of Arzawa: Beyond the Trojan War Myth" and "Song of a Lost City: Troy in Myth, Fiction, and Fact." Each volume combines cutting-edge archaeological evidence with historical analysis to shed new light on civilizations that shaped our world.
When not excavating the mysteries of the ancient world, Driskill enjoys time with his children and grandchildren at his Alabama home, where he's also developing works of fiction that draw upon his deep knowledge of the ancient world.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 4, 2025
This biography absolutely stunned me. I had never heard of Francisco Menéndez before, and by the time I finished the book, I couldn’t believe his story isn’t more widely taught. The way Driskill brings Menéndez’s courage, resilience, and leadership to life made me feel personally connected to history in a way I haven’t in years.
There were moments that honestly gave me chills—especially seeing how he fought for freedom with a determination that reminded me of the strength my own ancestors had to summon in difficult times. It made history feel human, raw, and incredibly inspiring.
A powerful tribute to an extraordinary man and a part of American history everyone should know. I’m truly grateful I read it.
There were moments that honestly gave me chills—especially seeing how he fought for freedom with a determination that reminded me of the strength my own ancestors had to summon in difficult times. It made history feel human, raw, and incredibly inspiring.
A powerful tribute to an extraordinary man and a part of American history everyone should know. I’m truly grateful I read it.
December 7, 2025
This biography of Francisco Menéndez grabbed me far more than most books on early colonial America. The author blends archaeology and historical documentation into a narrative that feels direct and very readable, without softening the harsh realities of the period. One scene that stuck with me is the moment an excavator uncovers a small brass button at the Fort Mose site; that tiny object suddenly makes the entire story feel real and close, almost like history brushing against the present.
What the book does especially well is tying physical evidence to Menéndez’s personal path—from his disrupted Mandinka homeland to the brutal world of Carolina and finally the creation of Fort Mose. The explanations stay clear without drifting into dry academic tone, and even if a few sections repeat ideas, the overall flow stays engaging.
I’m giving it **5 stars** because it makes an essential chapter of American history accessible and gives visibility to a remarkable figure who deserves far wider recognition. A couple parts felt slightly drawn out, but the overall impact is still excellent.
Highly recommended for readers who want a well-supported yet vivid account of African diasporic history.
What the book does especially well is tying physical evidence to Menéndez’s personal path—from his disrupted Mandinka homeland to the brutal world of Carolina and finally the creation of Fort Mose. The explanations stay clear without drifting into dry academic tone, and even if a few sections repeat ideas, the overall flow stays engaging.
I’m giving it **5 stars** because it makes an essential chapter of American history accessible and gives visibility to a remarkable figure who deserves far wider recognition. A couple parts felt slightly drawn out, but the overall impact is still excellent.
Highly recommended for readers who want a well-supported yet vivid account of African diasporic history.
January 25, 2026
An Exemplary Soldier
How this fellow survived to be 83 is a miracle. I have probably underrated this book, for it was very good. If you're looking for faced paced action intensity, you will not get this here. I didn't know what to expect when I signed up for an advanced copy. Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads for the opportunity to review the story early.
For me, it started a bit questionable due to the early beginnings of the book. The repetition of reading "archeological evidence supports..." in almost every paragraph made it drag out. I think that could have been stated early in the first few chapters instead of repeating it constantly throughout the early writing.
You can tell the author has an archeological passion and was a former newspaper reporter. Everything was well documented and through. I enjoyed learning all the stages of Adrian's fascinating career, his injuries, pursuit, and his humble approach to life.
I found this writing to be more of a comparison report or thesis. A little repetitive at times with the statements that seemed to drag the story out for me.
I am glad to learn of this remarkable man, though. We can learn a lot from his experiences and his determination to keep moving forward.
How this fellow survived to be 83 is a miracle. I have probably underrated this book, for it was very good. If you're looking for faced paced action intensity, you will not get this here. I didn't know what to expect when I signed up for an advanced copy. Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads for the opportunity to review the story early.
For me, it started a bit questionable due to the early beginnings of the book. The repetition of reading "archeological evidence supports..." in almost every paragraph made it drag out. I think that could have been stated early in the first few chapters instead of repeating it constantly throughout the early writing.
You can tell the author has an archeological passion and was a former newspaper reporter. Everything was well documented and through. I enjoyed learning all the stages of Adrian's fascinating career, his injuries, pursuit, and his humble approach to life.
I found this writing to be more of a comparison report or thesis. A little repetitive at times with the statements that seemed to drag the story out for me.
I am glad to learn of this remarkable man, though. We can learn a lot from his experiences and his determination to keep moving forward.
January 7, 2026
a jaw-dropping true account of one of history’s most indestructible men. Shot multiple times, maimed, and captured, Lieutenant-General Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart defied death more often than fiction would allow—losing an eye, a hand, and enduring years as a POW, yet returning to battle again and again. Driskill brings this astonishing story to life with vivid detail and scholarly precision, revealing the iron will and dark humor of a man who famously said, “Frankly, I enjoyed the war.” From cha
January 27, 2026
An incredible, genuinely authentic tale of perseverance. This biography eloquently depicts a man of unthinkable bravery. His life feels more like an epic fiction than history because of his famous stubbornness. Anyone interested in the extremes of the human spirit will find this to be an engrossing read.
January 29, 2026
I’d heard about this man, Adrian Carton De Wiart before, but this book fleshes out the sparse details of his military career, bringing it vividly to life. Some people are just built differently to the rest of us and De Wiart is one of the best examples of this. He can be best summed up by this quote of his regarding the slaughter of the First World War, ‘Frankly I enjoyed the war.’
January 8, 2026
Held my attention for the first page to the last.
Want to read
February 2, 2026I won this in a giveaway
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews