General Sir Mike Jackson, former head of the British Army, has passed away at the age of 80. Known affectionately as ‘Jacko’, he died on Tuesday with his family by his side, according to the Army. As a father of three, he led the Army during the 2003 allied invasion of Iraq after notable service in Northern Ireland and Bosnia.
The British Army expressed their sorrow in a tribute: “It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of General Sir Mike Jackson GCB, CBE, DSO, on October 15 surrounded by his family.” They highlighted his distinguished 40-year career, culminating as chief of the general staff, stating, “He will be greatly missed, and long remembered.” The tribute concluded with the Parachute Regiment’s motto, “Utrinque Paratus,” meaning “ready for anything.”
The Parachute Regimental Association described him as a “great leader of men” who will be “missed by many.” Jackson, renowned for his toughness and no-nonsense approach, earned nicknames such as Darth Vader and The Prince of Darkness from his troops due to his stern demeanour and distinctive voice. He assumed leadership of the British Army just a month before the Iraq war, succeeding General Sir Michael Walker. His tenure included handling allegations of Iraqi prisoner abuse by UK troops and managing the increasing dissatisfaction over coalition forces’ roles.
News just breaking that sadly General Sir Mike Jackson GCB, CBE, DSO has passed away.
Lovingly referred to by the men and women of the British Army in the 2000’s as ‘The Prince of Darkness’ for his ability at sniffing out bullshit from subordinates. pic.twitter.com/08G2aCgy3B
— Ryan Edwards (@r_edwards83) October 15, 2024
In 1999, while commanding 40,000 NATO KFOR troops in the Balkans, he famously refused an order from American superior General Wesley Clark to deploy forces into Kosovo to counter a Russian advance at Pristina airport, stating, “I’m not going to start the Third World War for you.”
Earlier in his career, Jackson was involved in two notable incidents in Northern Ireland. He was a captain with the 1st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment during the Ballymurphy shootings in August 1971. In 2019, he testified at an inquest into the deaths of 10 people from that incident, denying a cover-up. He was also present during Bloody Sunday in 1972, when British soldiers shot unarmed protesters in Derry, resulting in 14 deaths.
In March 2006, Jackson stirred controversy by criticising kidnap victim Norman Kember for not thanking the SAS soldiers who rescued him and his Canadian colleagues from captors in Iraq. Sir Mike retired in August 2006 after three and a half years as head of the Army.
Born in March 1944, Sir Mike was educated at Stamford School and Sandhurst before being commissioned as an officer in 1963. He later earned a degree in Russian studies from Birmingham University while serving in the Intelligence Corps.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Standard article highlights the passing of General Sir Mike Jackson, a distinguished British Army chief who led during the Iraq invasion and Northern Ireland’s Troubles, emphasizing his leadership and legacy.(read more)
- LBC reports General Sir Mike Jackson’s death at 80, highlighting his distinguished military career, notable leadership, and tributes from the British Army and political figures.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was General Sir Mike Jackson?
He was a former head of the British Army, known for his service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and the Iraq war.
When did General Sir Mike Jackson die?
He passed away on October 15 at the age of 80.
What was General Sir Mike Jackson known for?
He was known for his toughness, leadership during the Iraq war, and incidents in Northern Ireland.
Why did General Sir Mike Jackson refuse an order in 1999?
He refused to deploy forces into Kosovo, stating he wouldn’t start the Third World War.
What controversial statement did General Sir Mike Jackson make in 2006?
He criticised kidnap victim Norman Kember for not thanking the SAS soldiers who rescued him.
