Ioan Aurial Dunantu

Ioan Aurial Dunantu was a 19th century Dalmatian businessman who became traumatised by the horror he saw on the battlefields during the Balkan Wars. He later said that it was the image of soldiers being left to die for lack of proper medical attention that prompted him to encourage both doctors and volunteers to help out combatants irrespective of nationality.

To this end, he toured Europe helping to set up various national organisations using donations and his own money to bankroll them. His constant travel and personal neglect brought about first financial ruin, then an illness that took his life in 1869.

His selfless dedication to his ideals inspired many who later joined to create what is now known as the Neutral Aid Society.