Gen Sir Mike Jackson: The military's 'Prince of Darkness' who went on to lead the Army
From frontline service in Northern Ireland through operational command in the Balkans to leading the Army on the eve of the Iraq war, General Sir Mike Jackson never imagined when he signed up at 19 years of age that he would rise to the very top.
Known to almost all as Jacko, he was a key figure in many historic moments during 45 years of service.
But it was his time leading international peacekeepers in Kosovo that perhaps best illustrates the range of skills he brought to the job.
‘I’m not going to start World War Three for you’
Gen Sir Mike already had significant experience in the Balkans when he became the first commander of Nato's KFOR (Kosovo Force) – moving in just days after the war had formally ended.
He immediately faced a crisis, with Russian troops also moving in and occupying the main airport.
Gen Sir Mike was ordered by his immediate superior, US General Wesley Clark, to block the runway – but his military judgement was that it was too risky.
And so he famously disobeyed that order, supposedly telling General Clarke "I'm not going to start World War Three for you" – although recollections may vary.
Instead, Gen Sir Mike used his own Russian language and diplomatic skills to negotiate personally with the Russian commander.
That, and the help of a hip flask of whisky.
It worked – as did his political judgement.
Both Washington and London decided to back his call over General Clarke, he kept his job and went on to earn the Distinguished Service Order.
Controversial legacy in Northern Ireland
Gen Jackson's road to command in Kosovo included three tours of duty in Northern Ireland.
As a junior officer, he was present at Ballymurphy in 1971, when the Army shot dead at least nine people, all described by a coroner as "entirely innocent".
Months later he was on duty in the operations headquarters on Bloody Sunday – when 13 people at a civil rights march were shot dead by soldiers from the Parachute Regiment.
These were killings the Government later said were "unjustified and unjustifiable".
Because of those events, Gen Sir Mike remains a controversial figure in Northern Ireland more than half a century on.
He also witnessed the horror of attacks against British soldiers.
Gen Sir Mike was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the Warren Point double bombing in 1979, having to identify his own friend among the 18 troops killed.
Iraq and Afghanistan
When General Sir Mike rose to the very top of the Army as Chief of General Staff, war with Iraq was looming a matter of weeks away, with British troops already at war in Afghanistan.
While leading two expeditionary operations, including crises such as allegations of prisoner abuse, he also had to save money.
His reorganisation of the infantry was unwelcome to many, merging regiments, with many historic names and cap badges disappearing.
But General Jackson – Jacko – was a widely admired and loved figure in the forces.
Even among many who choose less flattering nicknames inspired by his distinctive looks and deep voice – including Darth Vader and even Prince of Darkness.
Earlier in his career, upon reaching the rank of colonel, Gen Sir Mike Jackson did consider resigning his commission.
We will never know how different the Army and the world might have looked had he done so.
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