Military community pays tribute to 'soldier's soldier' General Sir Mike Jackson

The Armed Forces community has paid tribute to former head of the British Army, General Sir Mike Jackson, who has died aged 80.

General 'Jacko', who was Chief of the General Staff for three years, was one of Britain's most well-known military officers since the Second World War, with tributes praising his inspiring leadership and intelligence.

He led the Army during the allied invasion of Iraq in 2003 and with Nato in 1999, famously refused to confront Russian forces at Pristina airport in Kosovo, telling his American superior: "Sir, I'm not going to start World War Three for you."

Paying tribute, the current Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker, said: "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."

Security Minister Dan Jarvis, a former Parachute Regiment officer who served alongside Gen Sir Mike, said he was an "outstanding, inspirational and charismatic leader" and also described him as a "soldier's soldier"

Mr Jarvis, who later became Sir Mike's personal staff officer, said he was a "true airborne legend".

Commandant General of the RAF Regiment Air Vice-Marshal Mick Smeath said: "Very sad to hear of the passing of General Sir Mike Jackson.

"One of the most inspirational officers I have had the privilege to serve under. Rest in peace, Sir."

The Parachute Regimental Association said: "We are very sorry to hear of the loss of General Sir Mike Jackson.

"A great leader of men that will be missed by many. RIP Sir."

Gen Sir Mike had a reputation for being a tough and uncompromising soldier.

He was reportedly nicknamed Darth Vader and The Prince of Darkness by troops due to his cool manner and gravel voice.

Ex-paratrooper Andrew Fox paid tribute and recalled his own anecdotes of the former Army chief.

"I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of General Sir Mike Jackson," he said.

"A glare and a voice like gravel, who at 10 yards could skewer a mid-level officer who had been asked to read out a contentious letter from the RSM at a regimental charity meeting. And yes, that is oddly specific.

"But also a tremendous capacity for drinking every other man in the mess under the table, and a wicked sense of humour. My honour to have spent time in his company on a couple of occasions. A regimental legend."

He finished by saying "Utrinque Paratus", the motto of the Parachute Regiment, which means "ready for anything".

Royal Air Force veteran Liz McConaghy, known by the nickname Chinook Crew Chick, said Gen Sir Mike was a "leader of the finest quality".

"Terrifying and gentlemanly in equal measure and forever immortalised from the Brize Norton departure lounge…. Sirs, ma'ams', ladies and gents… Scuse rank JACKSON," she said on X.

Former soldier Bill Callaghan said Gen Sir Mike was a "grand fellow" and recalled having a meal with him in Bosnia.

In a post on X, he said: "I will never forget having dinner with him in MND HQ Gornji Vakuf (All ranks messed in the same area.) He and the newsman Martin Bell, sat at my table. He made me (a Sergeant at the time) feel relevant, valued and appreciated."

Veteran Carl Marsh said Gen Sir Mike's death is a "very sad day".

"This guy could control any room, building, or battlefield. He will be greatly missed, and long remembered."

RAF veteran Ian Firth said he had "huge respect" for Gen Sir Mike, describing him as "an outstanding soldier".

Gen Sir Mike was born on 21 March 1944 and commissioned from Sandhurst in 1963.

He went on to join the Parachute Regiment and was Adjutant of the 1st Battalion on Bloody Sunday in January 1972 when members of 1 Para opened fire at a civil rights march in Londonderry, killing 13 people.

He gave evidence at the Saville Inquiry into Bloody Sunday which found that the shootings were unjustified.

Gen Sir Mike apologised for what happened.

Six months earlier he was present at Ballymurphy in 1971 when paratroopers shot dead at least 9 people, all described by a coroner as "entirely innocent".

He gave evidence to the inquest and denied there had been a cover up of the Parachute Regiment's actions in Ballymurphy.

Because of those events, Gen Sir Mike remains a controversial figure in Northern Ireland more than half a century on.

The British Army said he died on Tuesday surrounded by his family.

"General 'Jacko' served with distinction for more than 40 years, finishing his career [in 2006] as Chief of the General Staff.

"He will be greatly missed, and long remembered."