General Sir Mike Jackson obituary

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 to the British Army, at 19-years-old, 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.

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[grahamstubbs]

Well, if you've spent your entire career in the army and risen to the top and people still like and respect you, then that's a career well done.

[speedster]

I had the privilege as a young L/Cpl to conduct a foot patrol in Belfast whilst accompanied by him for a short period, a true inspiration!

[UKVeteran]

He gave us our final debrief at Catterick before deploying to Bosnia in December 1995, the first NATO jolly. He was not one to break it to us gently. "I expect you to be war fighting within 2 weeks, so look around you, as many of you may not be returning home." There were a few pale faces in the debrief.

[grantwalker]

Such a shame. Met this guy when I was at 16AAB. When he came to our unit to have a look at our toys, you could see the boredom in his eye’s. Not surprising as we were one of the last units (AMRAP) that he was visiting that day.
However, all that changed, when he noticed the rather large bar we had built. Next thing we know he’s said “oh I think we need to check this out” and marches straight over to it. He then says he think it’s late enough in the day for it to be open, where he proceeds to stay for quite a while chatting to us all and enjoying the odd cold one.
Can’t remember how long he stayed, but needless to say we carried on well into night.
He was very down to earth and very easy to talk to.
RIP Jacko.

[harveysmith]

I saw him being interviewed once, his phone went of in the middle of the interview, he took it out and threw it to one of his colleagues to deal with.
I loved that about him. Very practical.

[philipsmith]

A Soldier's, Soldier. Very well Educated and respected. R.I.P Sir Mike.👍

[stephenmcpherson]

RIP General Jackson. You served your country in a manner many seek, but few attain.

[TheFlaneur-upft]

I was a war cameraman in Bosnia and Kosovo, I came across him a few times and he was always a true gentleman but told it as it was. You couldn’t have a more dedicated and more intelligent man commanding. We are losing the great people sadly, he truly was one of the great Generals of modern times.

[ricky]

Thank you for your service

A grateful nation 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[Ian]

RIP Sir. A true officer and a gentleman. A soldiers soldier. I met him once mid 90s always had time for the lads on the ground.

[JDLondon]

People look up to a list celebrity but this man is a true hero. A truly great Briton. May he rest in peace.

[philipnorris]

R.I.P. Sir Mike, he has marched away to join the army no man can number; condolences to Sarah, to his children and grandchildren, and to his other family members and friends.

[susanpoole]

Met once at the royal hospital he was very kind to me after my dear friend died. Will never forget his kindness.

[TAttiusMaximvs]

It was an honour to have spoken with him in 1985 whilst I was serving in the TA

[jamesdoyle]

Wesley Clark has always been full of himself. RIP to the man him took him down a peg.

[sonsofthesilentage]

Forever loyal to the big man
RIP ... A real British soldier.

[richielamb]

He was my Brigade commander in 3 Uk Div ….always had time for a chat with the toms . R.I.P Sir your duty is done 🫡

[sprre]

Served under this man with KFOR in 1999. Respect. RIP Sir 🫡

[wtfbuddy]

Served under him in the IFOR tour, met him and shook hands, RIP jumper. Cheers

[nickwoolmer]

Best C.O. I ever served under. I don't think we will see officers like him again.