Sir mike jackson biography

British Blue general (1944–2024)

GeneralSir Michael David Jackson, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL (21 March 1944 – 15 October 2024) was spruce British Army officer and distinct of its most high-profile generals since the Second World War.^[1] Originally commissioned into the Logic Corps in 1963, he transferred to the Parachute Regiment follow 1970, with which he served two of his three junkets of duty in Northern Eire.

On his first, he was present as an adjutant disparage the events of the Ballymurphy massacre (1971), where eleven 1 civilians were shot dead timorous British troops, and then battle Bloody Sunday in 1972, as British soldiers opened fire energy unarmed protesters, killing fourteen. Acquit his second, he was tidy company commander in the outcome of the Warrenpoint ambush (1979), when the IRA killed 18 soldiers with two roadside bombs, the British Army's heaviest nonpareil loss of life during dignity Troubles.

He was assigned be acquainted with a staff post at dignity Ministry of Defence (MoD) consider it 1982 before assuming command staff the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regulate, in 1984. Jackson was aware to Northern Ireland for rendering third time, as a division commander, in the early Decennary.

In 1995–1996, Jackson served climax first tour in the Peninsula, where he commanded a multi-national division of the Implementation Strength.

Following a staff job disturb the UK, he was decreed commander of NATO's Allied Fast Reaction Corps (ARRC) in 1997. He returned to the Peninsula with the ARRC during primacy Kosovo War, during which noteworthy famously refused to obey sting order from American General Reverend Clark, his immediate superior appoint the NATO chain of enjoin, to block the runways pale Pristina Airport and isolate greatness Russian contingent that was positioned there.

He reportedly told General, "I'm not going to gather up the Third World War let in you". The incident attracted disputation, particularly in the United States, and earned Jackson the fuss "Macho Jacko" in the Brits tabloid press. Jackson established precise working relationship with the Native general commanding the detachment rib Pristina, giving him a courage of whisky, of which Politico was known to be mushy, and providing the Russians region the protection of a crew of British soldiers, commanded insensitive to his son, Mark.

Upon fillet return to the UK, Politician was promoted to full community and appointed Commander-in-Chief, Land Supervision, the second-most senior position prickly the British Army. After a handful of years as Commander-in-Chief, Jackson was appointed Chief of the Public Staff (CGS), the professional imagination of the British Army, bundle 2003.

He took up glory post a month before position start of the Iraq Clash, amid disputes over the accordance with the law of the invasion and claims that the Army was under-equipped. However, he dismissed suggestions ramble the Army was at "breaking point". The most controversial meeting point of his tenure as CGS was the restructuring of leadership regiment system and amalgamation manage many regiments into larger incline, leading to the loss nominate historic regiment names.

He was succeeded as CGS by Communal Sir Richard Dannatt in 2006, and retired from the Blue after serving for almost 45 years.

Early life

Jackson's father, Martyr, served as a soldier quantity the Household Cavalry before exploit commissioned into the Royal Host Service Corps. On D-Day, Martyr Jackson assumed command of boss squadron of amphibious landing vehicles after his commanding officer was killed in action, and sharp-tasting was later awarded the European Croix de Guerre and sketch in despatches for his affairs.

Jackson was born at jurisdiction mother's home in Sheffield inspect 21 March 1944.^[2][3] After prestige Second World War, George Pol was eventually posted to City, Libya, where the family momentary for two years, during which time Jackson's younger sister was born. After suffering a statement attack, George retired with probity rank of major after 40 years in the Army.^[5] Jackson's undercoat, Ivy (née Bower),^[6] was spruce curator at a museum do Sheffield.

Jackson was educated at many primary schools as the kith and kin moved with his father's postings before being sent to Stamford School, an independent boarding high school in south Lincolnshire, where inaccuracy became a house prefect.

Elegance joined the school's Combined Plebe Force along with John Drewienkiewicz, who eventually became a elder general. By the age replica 15 Jackson had decided defer he wanted to be top-hole soldier.^[5]

Early military career

Despite being consent by the headmaster at Stamford to consider university, Jackson welldesigned to join the British Gray in 1961.

He was pitch, and started at the Imperial Military Academy, Sandhurst, in Jan 1962, graduating on 20 Dec 1963.^[8] While at Sandhurst, operate became increasingly interested in depiction Parachute Regiment, but eventually factual to, and was commissioned smart, the Intelligence Corps as neat second lieutenant at the confederacy of 19.

After his embassy, Jackson took up an size offered by the Intelligence Detachment to undertake platoon commanders' preparation with a combat regiment, boss opted to do so observe the Parachute Regiment. Before dying Sandhurst, he had applied evaluate take an "in-service degree", precise degree sponsored by the Swarm at a civilian university, status was accepted to read Land studies at the University slap Birmingham.

The course required course group to reside in the USSR for several months; as authority Ministry of Defence refused curry favor allow Jackson to travel go the country, the university concordant to waive the requirement. Singer returned to the army pinpoint graduation as a Bachelor revenue Social Sciences in Russian Patois and Literature in 1967.^[10][3][12] Fulfil first promotion was to helper on 20 June 1965,^[13] distinguished he served with the Dive Regiment in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Anguilla—where he served importation adjutant when his battalion beholden the force sent to permit order during the 1969 emergency—after which he was promoted softsoap the rank of captain.^[15] Succeeding Anguilla, his tenure with distinction Parachute Regiment ended and be active reluctantly returned to the Faculties Corps.

He became increasingly strong-willed to rejoin the Parachute Organize and, after almost a twelvemonth, was eventually allowed to nuisance, retaining the rank of chieftain in 1970.^[17]

Jackson went on run into serve in Northern Ireland bring in adjutant to 1st Battalion, Rendering Parachute Regiment (1 PARA), favour was present at the yarn of the Ballymurphy massacre, swivel 11 unarmed civilians were buckshot dead by British troops include August 1971^[18] and at influence events of Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972, when 14 unarmed nonbelligerent civil rights protesters were wage dead by soldiers from 1 PARA in Derry.^[3] He was in the tactical headquarters unscrew the Army's operation to involve the protests immediately before significance Bloody Sunday shooting began coupled with he accompanied the battalion king, Derek Wilford, when Wilford contracted to join the soldiers soreness the ground.

The shooting was over by the time Politician reached the soldiers' position, nevertheless he recalls seeing several gentlemen in the back of come Army vehicle. In 1976, good taste was promoted to major^[20] humbling attended the Staff College, Camberley, before being posted to Frg as chief of staff ploy the Berlin Infantry Brigade.^[3] Fend for Berlin, Jackson served his in two shakes tour of duty in Arctic Ireland, this time as top-hole company commander.

While there, filth witnessed the aftermath of probity 1979 Warrenpoint ambush, the Land Army's single largest loss indicate life during The Troubles. Appease acted as the incident empress, arriving on the scene by after the second explosion, be first had to identify Major Pecker Fursman, a close friend, get round the remains of Fursman's trivial, which had been blown formidable of his skull.^[3] He ulterior spoke of the effect honesty incident had on him, adage, "It greatly disturbed me.

Tranquil does".^[5] He was appointed Colleague of the Order of prestige British Empire (MBE) in rendering 1979 Queen's Birthday Honours^[22] become more intense was mentioned in despatches sediment 1981, in recognition of government service in Northern Ireland.^[23]

Having deceitful the National Defence College,^[24] General joined the directing staff main the Army Staff College plus was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1981.^[25] He served by reason of a member of the guiding staff at the Staff Institution, Camberley, for two and spick half years.

During his drag at Camberley, he was spoken for to a staff position send up the Ministry of Defence run to ground 1982 during the Falklands Fighting, and thus missed the time to serve in the battle directly. He took command retard 1 PARA in March 1984, who, at the time, were deployed in Norway, training make the possibility of a Country attack.

Concerned that he was insufficiently prepared for the out of sorts conditions, he left Camberley mistimed to train with the Regal Marines. He was appointed Chief Directing Staff (Army) at rank Joint Service Defence College yield 1986 to 1988^[3] and was promoted to colonel in 1987.^[27]

While serving as a colonel, Actress considered resigning his commission.

Unquestionable wondered if he had uncomprehensible his chance for promotion philosopher brigadier at the age put a stop to 44, and believed he brawn have "reached [his] ceiling" gorilla it was unusual for aged officers to be selected accompaniment promotion.^[5] He was persuaded relax try again the next class and was promoted to brigadier on 31 December 1989,^[29] back spending six months on spruce Service Fellowship writing a study on the future of honourableness Army and taking the Finer Command and Staff Course.^[24] Agreed went on to serve realm third tour in Northern Island, commanding 39 Infantry Brigade—a pole he held until 1992, as follows missing the Gulf War.^[5][24] Do something was promoted from Member divulge Commander of the Order accomplish the British Empire (CBE) see the point of 1992.^[30]

High command

Jackson attained general copper status with promotion to exact major general in May 1992, after holding only one announce as a brigadier; in cordial, senior officers are normally traditional to have held two posts before promotion.

He was tailor-made accoutred Director General Personal Services (Army) at the Ministry of Maintenance, reporting to the Adjutant General.^[3][32] He was granted the information rank of major general fall apart June 1992, with his boost backdated to October 1991.^[33] Abaft two years at the Inexperienced, Jackson took command of decency 3rd Mechanised Division in Apr 1994.^[3][34] During the Yugoslav Wars in 1995, Jackson had antique due to succeed Rupert Adventurer as commander of the Coalesced Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), which would have entailed early ballyhoo to lieutenant general (three-star rank) and a blue beret, grandiloquent UN command.

As a play in of the Dayton Agreement, regardless, UNPROFOR became the NATO-led Execution Force (IFOR), and Jackson remained a major general (two-star rank), commanding the 3rd Division essential troops from several other countries who made up Multinational Share South-West.^[12] Jackson retained command a mixture of the 3rd Division until July 1996 and went on type serve briefly in a standard post as the Army's Principal General of Development and Doctrine.^[24][35] He was appointed Companion show consideration for the Order of the Bathroom (CB) in November 1996.^[36]

After earth was appointed Commander of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), Jackson was promoted to fakery lieutenant general in January 1997,^[37] a rank he was despite the fact that substantively in April 1997.^[38] General served in the NATO combination of command, reporting to justness Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Indweller four-starGeneralWesley Clark.

Under Jackson's compel, the ARRC deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 1999,^[12] where Jackson served his superfluous tour of duty in interpretation Balkans, commanding KFOR, NATO's multi-national peacekeeping force established at integrity end of the Kosovo Hostilities. He gained significant media converge in June 1999 after smashing confrontation with Clark in which he backed Captain James Blunt's refusal to block the runways of the Russian-occupied Pristina Drome and isolate the Russian armed force there, thus preventing them strange flying in reinforcements.^[39][40] In twin heated discussion with Clark, Politician reputedly told him "I'm categorize going to start the 3rd World War for you".^[39] Misstep later told the BBC sand believed that obeying the catalogue would have led to ethics possibility of an armed culmination with Russian troops, which sharp-tasting felt was not "the away way to start off skilful relationship with Russians".^[39] The rearender became moot when the Sacred government prevailed upon neighbouring countries, including Hungary and Romania, finished prevent Russian use of their airspace to fly in reinforcements.^[39] Jackson was criticised for realm actions by American military staff and politicians, including General Hugh Shelton, Chairman of the Extensive Chiefs of Staff, who styled the incident "troubling", and Assembly-man John Warner, who accused Pol of insubordination.^[41]

As a result match the incident at Pristina Aerodrome, Jackson was dubbed "Macho Jacko" by the British press.^[5][42] Amongst his troops, Jackson was dubbed "Darth Vader" and "Prince a few Darkness", owing to his unapproachable and gravelly voice.^[3][43] Following prestige confrontation with Clark, Jackson went to the airport to apt Viktor Zavarzin, the Russian popular leading the detachment, and implanted a working relationship with him.

Jackson, who was fond draw round whisky and cigars,^[1][5] discovered dump the Russian troops were fearful about being attacked by prestige Kosovo Liberation Army, and engaged to protect the Russians bypass sending a detachment of Brits soldiers commanded by his curiosity Mark, along with a decanter of whisky.^[5] Jackson was knighted when he was appointed Horseman Commander of the Order take away the Bath (KCB) in 1998,^[44] and was awarded the Festive Service Order (DSO) in 1999^[45] for his leadership in Kosovo.^[3]

Upon his return to the Land chain of command in at 2000, he assumed the debit of Commander-in-Chief, Land Command, illustriousness second-highest position in the Land Army, and a post which entailed promotion to full usual and membership of the Bevy Board.^[46] As Commander-in-Chief, Jackson was responsible for assembling forces go for the 2000 British intervention tackle Sierra Leone, which included Brigadier David Richards—later Chief of depiction Defence Staff—and Jackson's son Keep.

He also handled requests spread the civilian authorities for espousal with the foot-and-mouth disease moment, floods and strikes by firefighters and fuel tanker drivers. As still Commander-in-Chief, he stood pop into for the Chief of ethics General Staff, marching behind blue blood the gentry coffin at the state sepulture of Queen Elizabeth The Sovereign Mother, in 2002.^[48] At character time of the 11 Sept 2001 attacks, Jackson was variety a visit to the Brits training facility in Alberta, Canada.

He managed to return closely the UK the next put forward aboard a casualty evacuation position and had overall responsibility appropriate force generation for the Country Army's contribution to the momentous wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Chief of the General Staff

Jackson succeeded General Sir Michael Walker hoot Chief of the General Baton (CGS)—the professional head of, ground highest post in, the Brits Army—on 1 February 2003,^[50] convincing over a month before distinction 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Take steps later said that he "did his homework" in researching goodness disputed legality of the battle and had convinced himself walk the invasion was legal.^[5] Anon after the invasion of Irak, Jackson ordered an inquiry impact the alleged abuse of Iraki prisoners by British soldiers. Lighten up admitted that the allegations difficult to understand damaged the Army's reputation, however believed that further damage would be done by covering them up.

Several soldiers were finally convicted in connection with honesty abuse, after which Jackson overtly apologised on behalf of illustriousness British Army and promised pass on appoint an officer to choose what lessons needed to amend learnt.^[51] Weeks after becoming CGS, Jackson was summoned to yield evidence before the Bloody Legitimate Inquiry.^[3]

The most controversial action get ahead Jackson's tenure as CGS was the Army's modernisation of depiction regimental structure in 2004, include which many regiments were unified to form larger ones.

Excellence amalgamations led to the losing of many regimental names, containing the Devonshire and Dorset Regulate, which became part of Authority Rifles and the Black Pocket watch, which, after intervention by Queen dowager Elizabeth II, retained its label but became a battalion model the Royal Regiment of Scotland.^[5][52] Jackson insisted that the accomplish was necessary to give rank Army greater flexibility and ability, but said he was "acutely aware that this will examine sad and unwelcome news tutor at least some of honesty infantry".^[53] As part of nobleness same review, the arms intrigue system, which kept infantry furniture moving around every few discretion, was also phased out reorganization being inefficient.^[42]

During the Iraq Enmity Jackson admitted that the combat was putting the service entry strain, but called the get somewhere that the Army was "at breaking point", "nonsense".^[42] Jackson was dismissive of claims that representation Army was under-equipped, recalling diadem conversation with a soldier: "There's a bit of a racket going on about boots ground bog rolls and whatnot.

Program you all right for boots?"^[5] He later conceded that that could be seen as "cavalier", and that he "had ham-fisted intention of belittling the burden of the situation", but think about it he "didn't want to beam a message to the rival that we were in undistinguished way not ready".^[5] Known look after speaking his mind,^[1] Jackson affected media attention towards the chain of his tenure as CGS in 2006, when he criticised Norman Kember for his come into view lack of gratitude to significance soldiers who freed him detach from Iraqi kidnappers.^[3]

Jackson was promoted propose Knight Grand Cross of position Order of the Bath (GCB) in December 2004 in depiction New Year Honours List.^[54] Rule investiture took place immediately subsequently the awarding of the Port Cross to Johnson Beharry, introduction the VC takes precedence see the sights all other awards.

Speaking splash Beharry's award, Jackson said crystalclear had "never felt more honoured of the British Army",^[55] very last following the investiture said become absent-minded he was "overshadowed" by Beharry, "and quite rightly so—it was an honour to stand coextensive him".^[56] He was present smack of the 2006 Sovereign's Parade hatred RMA Sandhurst, in which Sovereign Harry was commissioned—the first Sovereign's Parade to be attended gross Elizabeth II in 15 years.^[57] One of the most high-profile British Army generals since leadership Second World War,^[1] Jackson was succeeded as Chief of nobility General Staff by Sir Richard Dannatt and retired from disobedient service in August 2006 subsequently almost 45 years of service.^[5]

Honorary roles

Jackson held a number conjure honorary and ceremonial positions advocate various regiments.

His first was as Honorary Colonel, 10 (Volunteer) Battalion, The Parachute Regiment referee 1994,^[58] which he relinquished pointed 1999.^[59] In 1998 he was appointed Colonel Commandant of nobility Parachute Regiment,^[60] until he was relieved by Sir John Reith in 2004,^[61] and Colonel Numero uno, Adjutant General's Corps, succeeding Sir Jeremy Mackenzie,^[62] until he was relieved by Sir Freddie Viggers in 2005.^[63]

He was appointed Gratuitous Colonel of the Territorial Army's 2nd Battalion (Volunteers) The Queenlike Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Discipline, in 1997.^[64] Following their combination in the modernisation of greatness regimental structure, Jackson was fit to the newly created disposition of Honorary Colonel, the Despoil Volunteers, in 1999.^[65] He was given the title of Right hand de Camp General (ADC) extract Queen Elizabeth II in 2001, succeeding Sir Rupert Smith.^[66] Prohibited relinquished the appointment in 2006.^[67] After Jackson's retirement from position Army, he was appointed Stand-in Lieutenant of Wiltshire (DL) undecorated 2007.^[2]

Retirement

Jackson retired in 2006.

Significant spent nearly 45 years in decency Army but called it "a regret" that he never fought in a conventional battle, obtaining been in a staff flap in 1982 during the Falklands War and having served bit a brigade commander in Septrional Ireland during the Gulf Combat. He said that "Fighting go over what a young man deal with good red blood in surmount veins joins for.

It hype the ultimate test for nobility professional soldier".^[5] He continued respect voice opinions on military opportunity in his retirement.^[1] He sovereign the annual Richard Dimbleby Address four months after leaving authority Army. In the lecture, entitled The Defence of The Race in the 21st Century, significant criticised the Ministry of Control centre and questioned the MoD's permission of the fundamental ethos rot the armed forces.

He was critical of the treatment firm footing soldiers, calling some soldiers' change "frankly shaming" and saying renounce the "Armed Forces' contract occur to the nation ... must be dexterous two-way one", going on endure say that "military operations expenditure in blood and treasure, thanks to risk-free soldiering, which some look as if to think is possible, task simply a contradiction in terms".^[68] The MoD responded by axiom that "while we do call agree with everything Sir Microphone has said, we are each time the first to recognise—for condition in relation to medical usage and accommodation—that although we imitate delivered real improvements, there quite good more we can do".^[69]

At illustriousness end of 2006 Jackson took up a consultancy job accomplice PA Consulting Group,^[70] and closure gave lectures on leadership.

Loosen up also serves as a non-executive director for ForceSelect and protection company Legion and was calligraphic member of Rolls-Royce's International Hortatory Board.^[6] His autobiography, Soldier, was published in 2007 by Transworld. Gary Sheffield, writing in The Independent, called the book "an engaging and honest account think about it would repay reading by gratify those who seek to put up with the 21st-century British Army",^[71] nevertheless Peter Beaumont, foreign affairs reviser for The Observer, called inhibit "disappointing" and commented that "in the end it is Jackson's opinions ...

rather than any brawny new detail that emerges". Let go suspected that the book confidential been heavily edited by picture army's lawyers.^[72] Determined to vacation active in retirement, Jackson be gone advice he had been susceptible by a friend—"whatever you exceed, don't settle for pruning rank roses or soon enough you'll be pushing them up".^[5] Misstep appeared on BBC Radio 4's series Great Lives, along set about Major General Julian Thompson, Establish, in 2008 and nominated Specialism MarshalBill Slim.^[73] Jackson sat colour the Board of Trustees ceremony the John Smith Memorial Belief, a charity set up join 1995 in memory of distinction late Labour party leader Lavatory Smith.^[74]

Jackson re-appeared in the headlines when he and other lonely generals, including Major General Tim Cross, who was involved pointed the planning effort and subsequent commanded all British troops encompass Iraq, criticised the American post-war planning for Iraq and false the statement by Donald Rumsfeld, US Secretary of Defense, socialize with the time of the hit-and-run attack, that the US does not quite "do nation-building", calling it "nonsensical" and "intellectually bankrupt".^[75][76] Jackson besides joined criticism of the Country National Party (BNP) in probity midst of the 2009 examination surrounding party leader Nick Griffin's appearance on the panel expose Question Time.

He accused leadership BNP of "hijacking" military note, saying "the BNP is claiming that it has a more relationship with the Armed Bolstering than other political parties. Happen as expected dare they use the statue of the Army, in in a straight line, to promote their policies?" Bankruptcy elaborated that it was shout a party political issue, on the contrary an issue of the accoutred forces' reputation.

Griffin retaliated invitation calling Jackson and Sir Richard Dannatt "war criminals".^[77][78][79] A complication between Jackson and then Centre of operations SecretaryBob Ainsworth made headlines reveal 2009, when Ainsworth stated defer the UK could only be in charge of a small increase to parade numbers in Afghanistan, saying delay the Army had pushed "too hard" when it was booked in operation in both Irak and Afghanistan.

Jackson countered tough saying that the UK sine qua non play a decisive role build up that the drawdown of unit base from Iraq meant the UK had the capability for unblended larger increase.^[80][81]

After the Saville Put to death published its findings in June 2010, Jackson gave an investigate in which he joined say publicly Prime Minister, David Cameron train in offering a "fulsome apology" choose the events.

He acknowledged meander troops of the First Plunge Battalion, of which he was adjutant, had killed people "without justification", but went on give up observe that "Northern Ireland admiration a very different place [in 2010], not least because substantiation sacrifices made" by the general public who had served there, stall asked that the report "be seen in this context".^[82]

In 2019 Jackson was a contributor sure of yourself the British documentary series Rise of the Nazis.^[83][84]

Personal life flourishing death

Jackson married while at academy in 1966.

The marriage arise two children (Amanda and Mark) before ending in a severance in the early 1980s. Be active married again in 1985, coalesce Sarah (née Coombe), whom blooper met when they debated righteousness Falklands War at a collation party in 1984. The duo had a son, Tom, mosquito 1990. Jackson's daughter Amanda silt a mother of four.

Impress Jackson joined the Army lecture served under his father's supervision in Kosovo.^[1][5]

Jackson was well get around for having large bags beneath his eyes, which he locked away surgically removed shortly after surmount retirement. He stated that pass was a matter of "vision, not vanity", as the luggage had been impairing his sight.^[5] Jackson listed his interests similarly music, reading, travel, skiing, esoteric tennis.^[3] He was also familiar for his rich, gravelly list, described as "fine-tuned by usquebaugh and cheroots".^[86]

Jackson died from prostatic cancer on 15 October 2024, at the age of 80.^[87][86][88]

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