'Prince of Darkness' army chief Mike Jackson remembered for leadership - and role in Troubles

General Sir Mike Jackson, who died surrounded by family aged 80 on Tuesday, has been remembered for his inspiring leadership.

As Chief of the General Staff, the father-of-three led the Army during the allied in 2003, after .

The Parachute Regimental Association said he was a “great leader of men” who will be “missed by many”. Home Office minister Dan Jarvis, a former Parachute Regiment officer who served alongside Sir Mike, 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” and an “outstanding, inspirational and charismatic leader”.

The British Army said: “It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of General Sir Mike Jackson GCB, CBE, DSO, on October 15 surrounded by his family. He will be greatly missed and long remembered.”

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Sir Mike gained a reputation as a tough and uncompromising soldier – his men reportedly nicknamed him Darth Vader and the Prince of Darkness due to his cool manner and gravel voice.

Born on March 21, 1944, Sir Mike was educated at Stamford School, Lincs, and Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Berks, before being commissioned as an army officer in 1963. He earned a degree in Russian studies from Birmingham University while serving in the Intelligence Corps. He joined the Parachute Regiment, also serving in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Anguilla in the Caribbean.

The most famous tale about him is when, as a platoon commander with 3 Para, he backed James Blunt in a dispute with US General Wesley Clark.

Captain Blunt – later a pop star – had refused to confront Russian forces at Pristina airport in Kosovo in 1999. Supporting Capt Blunt, Gen Jackson told his American Nato superior: “Sir, I’m not going to start the Third World War for you.”

But he leaves a contentious legacy in Northern Ireland, having served in the region during the Troubles. Sir Mike was second in command on the ground on Bloody Sunday in January 1972, when troops opened fire on civil rights demonstrators, killing 13.

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