soldier of misfortune

plural soldiers of misfortune

1. Someone who, despite their efforts or intentions, is unlucky or unfortunate, especially a soldier.

   "Are you ready to be a soldier of misfortune?"

   1969, Allen V. Ross, Vice in Bombay, London: Tallis Press, page 138

   2 more examples

   "Would you like to hear the annals of a soldier of misfortune, before you go to see, on his behalf, the Maréchal of France?"

   1894, Archibald Clavering Gunter, A Princess of Paris: A Novel, New York: The Home Publishing Company, page 26

   He was forced to digest the fact that a career as a soldier of fortune might result in his becoming a soldier of misfortune!

   2011, Brett Stephan Bass, The Letter, Indianapolis: Dogear Publishing, page 103