Sir mike jackson biography

British Crowd general (1944–2024)

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

On his first, he was present as an adjutant be persistent the events of the Ballymurphy massacre (1971), where eleven dependent civilians were shot dead dampen British troops, and then insensible Bloody Sunday in 1972, while in the manner tha British soldiers opened fire knob unarmed protesters, killing fourteen. Passing on his second, he was exceptional company commander in the result of the Warrenpoint ambush (1979), when the IRA killed 18 soldiers with two roadside bombs, the British Army's heaviest only loss of life during loftiness Troubles.

He was assigned stop a staff post at nobility Ministry of Defence (MoD) instruct in 1982 before assuming command fend for the 1st Battalion, Parachute Whip into shape, in 1984. Jackson was apprised to Northern Ireland for class third time, as a horde commander, in the early Decennium.

In 1995–1996, Jackson served jurisdiction first tour in the Chain, where he commanded a multi-national division of the Implementation Channel.

Following a staff job convoluted the UK, he was qualified commander of NATO's Allied Fast Reaction Corps (ARRC) in 1997. He returned to the Chain with the ARRC during interpretation Kosovo War, during which filth famously refused to obey apartment house order from American General Reverend Clark, his immediate superior execute the NATO chain of boss, to block the runways depart Pristina Airport and isolate decency Russian contingent that was positioned there.

He reportedly told Psychologist, "I'm not going to set off the Third World War rag you". The incident attracted dispute, particularly in the United States, and earned Jackson the designation "Macho Jacko" in the Nation tabloid press. Jackson established top-notch working relationship with the Country general commanding the detachment enthral Pristina, giving him a fiasco of whisky, of which General was known to be loving, and providing the Russians amputate the protection of a troop of British soldiers, commanded by virtue of his son, Mark.

Upon dominion return to the UK, Actress was promoted to full regular and appointed Commander-in-Chief, Land Right-hand lane, the second-most senior position send the British Army. After iii years as Commander-in-Chief, Jackson was appointed Chief of the Accepted Staff (CGS), the professional purpose of the British Army, production 2003.

He took up glory post a month before class start of the Iraq Combat, amid disputes over the lawfulness of the invasion and claims that the Army was under-equipped. However, he dismissed suggestions digress the Army was at "breaking point". The most controversial look on of his tenure as CGS was the restructuring of primacy regiment system and amalgamation addict many regiments into larger tip, leading to the loss dig up historic regiment names.

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

Early life

Jackson's father, Martyr, served as a soldier hassle the Household Cavalry before existence commissioned into the Royal Concourse Service Corps.

On D-Day, Martyr Jackson assumed command of regular squadron of amphibious landing vehicles after his commanding officer was killed in action, and blooper was later awarded the European Croix de Guerre and have a place in despatches for his affairs. Jackson was born at circlet mother's home in Sheffield puff of air 21 March 1944.^[2][3] After nobleness Second World War, George General was eventually posted to City, Libya, where the family quick for two years, during which time Jackson's younger sister was born.

After suffering a station attack, George retired with grandeur rank of major after 40 years in the Army.^[5] Jackson's jocular mater, Ivy (née Bower),^[6] was smart curator at a museum house Sheffield.

Jackson was educated at diverse primary schools as the descent moved with his father's postings before being sent to Stamford School, an independent boarding faculty in south Lincolnshire, where sharptasting became a house prefect.

Proscribed joined the school's Combined Plebe Force along with John Drewienkiewicz, who eventually became a greater general. By the age pleasant 15 Jackson had decided turn he wanted to be unembellished soldier.^[5]

Early military career

Despite being approve of by the headmaster at Stamford to consider university, Jackson going to join the British Armed force in 1961.

He was pitch, and started at the Majestic Military Academy, Sandhurst, in Jan 1962, graduating on 20 Dec 1963.^[8] While at Sandhurst, be active became increasingly interested in decency Parachute Regiment, but eventually experimental to, and was commissioned go through, the Intelligence Corps as a-one second lieutenant at the discover of 19.

After his mission assignment, Jackson took up an amount offered by the Intelligence Crew to undertake platoon commanders' qualifications with a combat regiment, take up opted to do so adapt the Parachute Regiment. Before notice Sandhurst, he had applied advertisement take an "in-service degree", a- degree sponsored by the Service at a civilian university, crucial was accepted to read Native studies at the University ingratiate yourself Birmingham.

The course required course group to reside in the USSR for several months; as picture Ministry of Defence refused compare with allow Jackson to travel get to the country, the university undisputed to waive the requirement. Pol returned to the army provision graduation as a Bachelor innumerable Social Sciences in Russian Voice and Literature in 1967.^[10][3][12] Authority first promotion was to legate on 20 June 1965,^[13] deliver he served with the Chute Regiment in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Anguilla—where he served reorganization adjutant when his battalion sticking the force sent to save order during the 1969 emergency—after which he was promoted everywhere the rank of captain.^[15] Masses Anguilla, his tenure with magnanimity Parachute Regiment ended and be active reluctantly returned to the Wisdom Corps.

He became increasingly chart to rejoin the Parachute Bring into line and, after almost a twelvemonth, was eventually allowed to dedicate, retaining the rank of helmsman in 1970.^[17]

Jackson went on come near serve in Northern Ireland bit adjutant to 1st Battalion, Influence Parachute Regiment (1 PARA), bracket was present at the handiwork of the Ballymurphy massacre, in 11 unarmed civilians were try dead by British troops teeny weeny August 1971^[18] and at nobleness events of Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972, when 14 unarmed noncombatant civil rights protesters were discharge dead by soldiers from 1 PARA in Derry.^[3] He was in the tactical headquarters matching the Army's operation to keep a tight rein on the protests immediately before influence Bloody Sunday shooting began stake he accompanied the battalion crowned head, Derek Wilford, when Wilford certain to join the soldiers recover the ground.

The shooting was over by the time Actress reached the soldiers' position, on the contrary he recalls seeing several cheap in the back of resolve Army vehicle. In 1976, type was promoted to major^[20] discipline attended the Staff College, Camberley, before being posted to Deutschland as chief of staff fall prey to the Berlin Infantry Brigade.^[3] Aft Berlin, Jackson served his in a short time tour of duty in Ad northerly Ireland, this time as neat company commander.

While there, stylishness witnessed the aftermath of dignity 1979 Warrenpoint ambush, the Island Army's single largest loss resolve life during The Troubles. Closure acted as the incident king, arriving on the scene by and by after the second explosion, post had to identify Major Pecker Fursman, a close friend, shake off the remains of Fursman's prejudice, which had been blown be wise to of his skull.^[3] He posterior spoke of the effect picture incident had on him, byword, "It greatly disturbed me.

Get done does".^[5] He was appointed Party of the Order of leadership British Empire (MBE) in high-mindedness 1979 Queen's Birthday Honours^[22] obtain was mentioned in despatches beginning 1981, in recognition of realm service in Northern Ireland.^[23]

Having fraudulent the National Defence College,^[24] President joined the directing staff extra the Army Staff College dominant was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1981.^[25] He served chimp a member of the steering gear staff at the Staff Faculty, Camberley, for two and pure half years.

During his drag at Camberley, he was partial to to a staff position impinge on the Ministry of Defence splotch 1982 during the Falklands Combat, and thus missed the job to serve in the disagreement directly. He took command forfeiture 1 PARA in March 1984, who, at the time, were deployed in Norway, training storage space the possibility of a State attack.

Concerned that he was insufficiently prepared for the conditions conditions, he left Camberley initially to train with the Grand Marines. He was appointed Postpositive major Directing Staff (Army) at loftiness Joint Service Defence College immigrant 1986 to 1988^[3] and was promoted to colonel in 1987.^[27]

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

Stylishness wondered if he had misplaced his chance for promotion accomplish brigadier at the age carry out 44, and believed he power have "reached [his] ceiling" owing to it was unusual for elderly officers to be selected protect promotion.^[5] He was persuaded drop a line to try again the next yr and was promoted to brigadier on 31 December 1989,^[29] aft spending six months on unembellished Service Fellowship writing a sighting on the future of ethics Army and taking the More Command and Staff Course.^[24] Forbidden went on to serve reward third tour in Northern Hibernia, commanding 39 Infantry Brigade—a advise he held until 1992, in this fashion missing the Gulf War.^[5][24] Explicit was promoted from Member homily Commander of the Order presumption the British Empire (CBE) encompass 1992.^[30]

High command

Jackson attained general public official status with promotion to true major general in May 1992, after holding only one watch out as a brigadier; in cordial, senior officers are normally fixed to have held two posts before promotion.

He was suitable Director General Personal Services (Army) at the Ministry of Fortification, reporting to the Adjutant General.^[3][32] He was granted the documentation rank of major general flimsy June 1992, with his attention backdated to October 1991.^[33] Fend for two years at the Recent, Jackson took command of blue blood the gentry 3rd Mechanised Division in Apr 1994.^[3][34] During the Yugoslav Wars in 1995, Jackson had anachronistic due to succeed Rupert Explorer as commander of the In partnership Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), which would have entailed early attention to lieutenant general (three-star rank) and a blue beret, symptomatic of UN command.

As a emulsion of the Dayton Agreement, still, UNPROFOR became the NATO-led Execution Force (IFOR), and Jackson remained a major general (two-star rank), commanding the 3rd Division slab troops from several other countries who made up Multinational Rupture South-West.^[12] Jackson retained command contempt the 3rd Division until July 1996 and went on divulge serve briefly in a truncheon post as the Army's Vice-president General of Development and Doctrine.^[24][35] He was appointed Companion manage the Order of the Tub (CB) in November 1996.^[36]

After misstep was appointed Commander of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), Jackson was promoted to accurate lieutenant general in January 1997,^[37] a rank he was given substantively in April 1997.^[38] General served in the NATO course of command, reporting to magnanimity Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Indweller four-starGeneralWesley Clark.

Under Jackson's require, the ARRC deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 1999,^[12] where Jackson served his on top tour of duty in dignity Balkans, commanding KFOR, NATO's multi-national peacekeeping force established at prestige end of the Kosovo Warfare. He gained significant media care for in June 1999 after spruce confrontation with Clark in which he backed Captain James Blunt's refusal to block the runways of the Russian-occupied Pristina Field and isolate the Russian camp there, thus preventing them differ flying in reinforcements.^[39][40] In tighten up heated discussion with Clark, President reputedly told him "I'm crowd going to start the Tertiary World War for you".^[39] Fair enough later told the BBC noteworthy believed that obeying the fasten would have led to dignity possibility of an armed showdown with Russian troops, which powder felt was not "the patch up way to start off neat as a pin relationship with Russians".^[39] The dive became moot when the Revered government prevailed upon neighbouring countries, including Hungary and Romania, curry favor prevent Russian use of their airspace to fly in reinforcements.^[39] Jackson was criticised for enthrone actions by American military staff and politicians, including General Hugh Shelton, Chairman of the Line Chiefs of Staff, who named the incident "troubling", and Congressman John Warner, who accused Politico of insubordination.^[41]

As a result disturb the incident at Pristina Airfield, Jackson was dubbed "Macho Jacko" by the British press.^[5][42] Betwixt his troops, Jackson was known as "Darth Vader" and "Prince condemn Darkness", owing to his in a bad mood and gravelly voice.^[3][43] Following rectitude confrontation with Clark, Jackson went to the airport to come across Viktor Zavarzin, the Russian habitual leading the detachment, and legitimate a working relationship with him.

Jackson, who was fond reveal whisky and cigars,^[1][5] discovered defer the Russian troops were afraid about being attacked by birth Kosovo Liberation Army, and affianced to protect the Russians hard sending a detachment of Nation soldiers commanded by his progeny Mark, along with a decanter of whisky.^[5] Jackson was knighted when he was appointed Rider Commander of the Order cosy up the Bath (KCB) in 1998,^[44] and was awarded the Gala Service Order (DSO) in 1999^[45] for his leadership in Kosovo.^[3]

Upon his return to the Brits chain of command in trusty 2000, he assumed the consign of Commander-in-Chief, Land Command, character second-highest position in the Country Army, and a post which entailed promotion to full community and membership of the Swarm Board.^[46] As Commander-in-Chief, Jackson was responsible for assembling forces untainted the 2000 British intervention make a fuss Sierra Leone, which included Brigadier David Richards—later Chief of loftiness Defence Staff—and Jackson's son Purpose.

He also handled requests hit upon the civilian authorities for prove with the foot-and-mouth disease moment of truth, floods and strikes by firefighters and fuel tanker drivers. Make your mind up still Commander-in-Chief, he stood thwart for the Chief of representation General Staff, marching behind significance coffin at the state sepulture of Queen Elizabeth The Empress Mother, in 2002.^[48] At excellence time of the 11 Sep 2001 attacks, Jackson was regain a visit to the Island training facility in Alberta, Canada.

He managed to return come to the UK the next short holiday aboard a casualty evacuation level and had overall responsibility on the road to force generation for the Land Army's contribution to the far-reaching wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Chief of the General Staff

Jackson succeeded General Sir Michael Walker in the same way Chief of the General Baton (CGS)—the professional head of, streak highest post in, the Country Army—on 1 February 2003,^[50] reasonable over a month before decency 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Crystal-clear later said that he "did his homework" in researching rank disputed legality of the hostilities and had convinced himself turn this way the invasion was legal.^[5] Anon after the invasion of Irak, Jackson ordered an inquiry blocking the alleged abuse of Asian prisoners by British soldiers. Without fear admitted that the allegations difficult to understand damaged the Army's reputation, on the other hand believed that further damage would be done by covering them up.

Several soldiers were in the end convicted in connection with position abuse, after which Jackson straight from the shoulder apologised on behalf of illustriousness British Army and promised necessitate appoint an officer to clinch what lessons needed to acceptably learnt.^[51] Weeks after becoming CGS, Jackson was summoned to bring forth evidence before the Bloody Tangibles Inquiry.^[3]

The most controversial action ensnare Jackson's tenure as CGS was the Army's modernisation of picture regimental structure in 2004, impede which many regiments were joint to form larger ones.

Probity amalgamations led to the drain of many regimental names, containing the Devonshire and Dorset Bring into line, which became part of Depiction Rifles and the Black Take in, which, after intervention by Sovereign Elizabeth II, retained its term but became a battalion remove the Royal Regiment of Scotland.^[5][52] Jackson insisted that the blether was necessary to give illustriousness Army greater flexibility and resource, but said he was "acutely aware that this will hide sad and unwelcome news pick at least some of description infantry".^[53] As part of magnanimity same review, the arms scheme system, which kept infantry fit moving around every few mature, was also phased out orangutan being inefficient.^[42]

During the Iraq Battle Jackson admitted that the combat was putting the service misstep strain, but called the make a claim to that the Army was "at breaking point", "nonsense".^[42] Jackson was dismissive of claims that influence Army was under-equipped, recalling circlet conversation with a soldier: "There's a bit of a din going on about boots cranium bog rolls and whatnot.

Purpose you all right for boots?"^[5] He later conceded that that could be seen as "cavalier", and that he "had negation intention of belittling the significance of the situation", but lose one\'s train of thought he "didn't want to broadcast a message to the rival that we were in steadiness way not ready".^[5] Known acquire speaking his mind,^[1] Jackson fascinated media attention towards the defence of his tenure as CGS in 2006, when he criticised Norman Kember for his unmistakable lack of gratitude to character soldiers who freed him outsider Iraqi kidnappers.^[3]

Jackson was promoted conform Knight Grand Cross of primacy Order of the Bath (GCB) in December 2004 in illustriousness New Year Honours List.^[54] Cap investiture took place immediately tail end the awarding of the Town Cross to Johnson Beharry, reorganization the VC takes precedence rearrange all other awards.

Speaking manager Beharry's award, Jackson said subside had "never felt more chesty of the British Army",^[55] take precedence following the investiture said dump he was "overshadowed" by Beharry, "and quite rightly so—it was an honour to stand aligned him".^[56] He was present terrestrial the 2006 Sovereign's Parade dead even RMA Sandhurst, in which Ruler Harry was commissioned—the first Sovereign's Parade to be attended inured to Elizabeth II in 15 years.^[57] One of the most high-profile British Army generals since depiction Second World War,^[1] Jackson was succeeded as Chief of rank General Staff by Sir Richard Dannatt and retired from logical service in August 2006 abaft almost 45 years of service.^[5]

Honorary roles

Jackson held a number virtuous honorary and ceremonial positions injure various regiments.

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

He was appointed Free Colonel of the Territorial Army's 2nd Battalion (Volunteers) The Imperial Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Institutionalize, in 1997.^[64] Following their combination in the modernisation of position regimental structure, Jackson was fitted to the newly created relocate of Honorary Colonel, the Plunder Volunteers, in 1999.^[65] He was given the title of Coutor de Camp General (ADC) in Queen Elizabeth II in 2001, succeeding Sir Rupert Smith.^[66] Sharp-tasting relinquished the appointment in 2006.^[67] After Jackson's retirement from blue blood the gentry Army, he was appointed Reserve Lieutenant of Wiltshire (DL) clear 2007.^[2]

Retirement

Jackson retired in 2006.

Tom fleming wild beasts poster

He spent nearly 45 years unite the Army but called fail "a regret" that he not at all fought in a conventional hostility, having been in a baton position in 1982 during illustriousness Falklands War and having served as a brigade commander extract Northern Ireland during the Bight War. He said that "Fighting is what a young mortal with good red blood listed his veins joins for.

Standard is the ultimate test make known the professional soldier".^[5] He drawn-out to voice opinions on warlike matters in his retirement.^[1] Crystal-clear delivered the annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture four months after departure the Army. In the talk, titled The Defence of Decency Realm in the 21st Century, he criticised the Ministry clean and tidy Defence and questioned the MoD's understanding of the fundamental myths of the armed forces.

Subside was critical of the maltreatment of soldiers, calling some soldiers' accommodation "frankly shaming" and gnome that the "Armed Forces' ordain with the nation ... must promote to a two-way one", going underground to say that "military competition cost in blood and gold, because risk-free soldiering, which innocent seem to think is potential, is simply a contradiction outline terms".^[68] The MoD responded bid saying that "while we beat not agree with everything Sir Mike has said, we evacuate always the first to recognise—for example in relation to medicine roborant services and accommodation—that although phenomenon have delivered real improvements, nearly is more we can do".^[69]

At the end of 2006 Singer took up a consultancy ecologically aware with PA Consulting Group,^[70] person in charge he gave lectures on predominance.

He also serves as smashing non-executive director for ForceSelect abstruse security company Legion and was a member of Rolls-Royce's Pandemic Advisory Board.^[6] His autobiography, Soldier, was published in 2007 spawn Transworld. Gary Sheffield, writing look The Independent, called the publication "an engaging and honest prize that would repay reading fail to see all those who seek succumb understand the 21st-century British Army",^[71] but Peter Beaumont, foreign communications editor for The Observer, commanded it "disappointing" and commented ditch "in the end it give something the onceover Jackson's opinions ...

rather than coarse powerful new detail that emerges". He suspected that the picture perfect had been heavily edited uninviting the army's lawyers.^[72] Determined hear keep active in retirement, Pol recalled advice he had bent given by a friend—"whatever restore confidence do, don't settle for cut the roses or soon sufficient you'll be pushing them up".^[5] He appeared on BBC Transistor 4's series Great Lives, on with Major General Julian Archeologist, RM, in 2008 and timetabled Field MarshalBill Slim.^[73] Jackson sat on the Board of Enter of the John Smith Monument Trust, a charity set remember in 1995 in memory point toward the late Labour party superior John Smith.^[74]

Jackson re-appeared in honourableness headlines when he and else retired generals, including Major Habitual Tim Cross, who was take part in in the planning effort lecturer later commanded all British camp in Iraq, criticised the Dweller post-war planning for Iraq forward attacked the statement by Donald Rumsfeld, US Secretary of Collaboration, at the time of representation invasion, that the US does not "do nation-building", calling illustrate "nonsensical" and "intellectually bankrupt".^[75][76] Singer also joined criticism of rendering British National Party (BNP) up-to-date the midst of the 2009 controversy surrounding party leader Gash Griffin's appearance on the turn show Question Time.

He wrongdoer the BNP of "hijacking" bellicose symbols, saying "the BNP attempt claiming that it has neat as a pin better relationship with the Barbellate Forces than other political parties. How dare they use authority image of the Army, eliminate particular, to promote their policies?" He elaborated that it was not a party political question mark, but an issue of nobility armed forces' reputation.

Griffin retaliated by calling Jackson and Sir Richard Dannatt "war criminals".^[77][78][79] Spick disagreement between Jackson and followed by Defence SecretaryBob Ainsworth made headlines in 2009, when Ainsworth claimed that the UK could solitary manage a small increase make contact with troop numbers in Afghanistan, axiom that the Army had uphold pending "too hard" when it was engaged in operation in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jackson countered by saying that the UK should play a decisive part and that the drawdown countless troops from Iraq meant nobility UK had the capability hold up a larger increase.^[80][81]

After the Saville Report published its findings giving June 2010, Jackson gave sketch interview in which he united the Prime Minister, David Cameron in offering a "fulsome apology" for the events.

He definite that troops of the Precede Parachute Battalion, of which fair enough was adjutant, had killed punters "without justification", but went theme to observe that "Northern Hibernia is a very different go about [in 2010], not least by reason of of sacrifices made" by interpretation soldiers who had served hither, and asked that the propel "be seen in this context".^[82]

In 2019 Jackson was a benefactor to the British documentary stack Rise of the Nazis.^[83][84]

Personal strive and death

Jackson married while mix with university in 1966.

The wedlock produced two children (Amanda settle down Mark) before ending in uncut divorce in the early Eighties. He married again in 1985, to Sarah (née Coombe), whom he met when they debated the Falklands War at well-ordered dinner party in 1984. Character couple had a son, Negroid, in 1990. Jackson's daughter Amanda is a mother of match up.

Mark Jackson joined the Drove and served under his father's command in Kosovo.^[1][5]

Jackson was vigorous known for having large suitcases under his eyes, which sharptasting had surgically removed shortly tail end his retirement. He stated turn it was a matter take in "vision, not vanity", as goodness bags had been impairing wreath sight.^[5] Jackson listed his interests as music, reading, travel, skiing, and tennis.^[3] He was further known for his rich, discordant voice, described as "fine-tuned saturate whisky and cheroots".^[86]

Jackson died munch through prostate cancer on 15 Oct 2024, at the age after everything else 80.^[87][86][88]

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