General Sir Mike Jackson remembered as ‘great leader of men’
Parachute Regimental Association praises Jackson as a 'great leader of men'
General Sir Mike Jackson, who passed away at age 80 on Tuesday, is remembered for his exceptional leadership. He led the Army as Chief of the General Staff during the 2003 allied invasion of Iraq, after previous service in Northern Ireland and Bosnia.
The Parachute Regimental Association praised him as a “great leader of men” who will be “missed by many”. Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis, a former Parachute Regiment officer who served with Sir Mike, called him a “soldier’s soldier”.
Mr Jarvis, who later became Sir Mike’s personal staff officer, described him as a “true airborne legend” and an “outstanding, inspirational and charismatic leader”. The British Army expressed deep sadness over General Sir Mike Jackson’s death on October 15, surrounded by family. They stated he will be greatly missed and long remembered.
Today we mourn the loss of a great man and excellent leader – General Sir Mike Jackson. A soldier’s soldier, he was respected and admired for his conscientious leadership, fierce intellect, and straight-talking approach. He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/o0kRvCpQDs
— The Chief of the General Staff (@ArmyCGS) October 16, 2024
Known for his tough and uncompromising nature, Sir Mike earned nicknames like Darth Vader and the Prince of Darkness from his men due to his stern demeanour and gravelly voice.
Born on March 21, 1944, Sir Mike attended Stamford School, Lincs, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Berks. Commissioned as an army officer in 1963, he later earned a degree in Russian studies from Birmingham University while in the Intelligence Corps. He joined the Parachute Regiment, serving in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Anguilla.
A notable incident in his career occurred when, as a platoon commander with 3 Para, he supported James Blunt in a confrontation with US General Wesley Clark. Captain Blunt, who later became a pop star, had refused to confront Russian forces at Pristina airport in Kosovo in 1999. Gen Jackson backed Capt Blunt, telling his American Nato superior, “Sir, I’m not going to start the Third World War for you.”
His time in Northern Ireland left a contentious legacy. Sir Mike was second in command during Bloody Sunday in January 1972, when troops shot and killed 13 civil rights demonstrators.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Telegraph recounts General Sir Mike Jackson’s significant role in post-Yugoslav conflicts, emphasizing his strong leadership and refusal to escalate tensions, earning him the nickname “The Prince of Darkness.”(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was General Sir Mike Jackson?
General Sir Mike Jackson was a prominent British Army leader, known for his service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and during the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Why was General Sir Mike Jackson called Darth Vader?
He earned nicknames like Darth Vader and the Prince of Darkness due to his tough, uncompromising nature and gravelly voice.
What notable incident involved James Blunt and General Sir Mike Jackson?
In 1999, he supported James Blunt in refusing to confront Russian forces in Kosovo, famously telling a US General he wouldn’t start WWIII.
What was General Mike Jackson’s role in the 2003 Iraq invasion?
He was the Chief of the General Staff, leading the British Army during the allied invasion of Iraq in 2003.
How is General Sir Mike Jackson remembered by his peers?
He is remembered as a ‘great leader of men,’ a ‘soldier’s soldier,’ and an ‘inspirational and charismatic leader’ by peers like Dan Jarvis.
