The former head of the British Army, General Sir Mike Jackson, has died at the age of 80, the military confirmed.
He led troops during the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 after serving in the Balkans and Northern Ireland.
In 1999, he famously refused his US commander’s order to block Russian troops from entering Kosovo without a NATO agreement.
“I will not start World War III for you,” he reportedly told General Wesley Clark.
Announcing his death, the British Army said he would be “deeply missed, and long missed”.
The father of three children died on Tuesday surrounded by his family, said the military in a statement posted on X.
Sir Mike was a much loved and respected soldier – not only among those in the army but also in the wider community.
He was instantly recognizable by the heavy bags under his eyes and his rich, heavy voice – well tempered by whiskey and cheroots.
Born into a military family on 21 March 1944, he joined the army at the age of 19 before graduating from Birmingham University in 1967.
At the height of the Cold War he studied Russian in the Intelligence Corps.
In In 1970 he transferred to the Parachute Regiment, serving in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
He was on the ground when members of the army opened fire on protesters, killing and injuring many in what is known as Bloody Sunday.
He later attended the Ballymurphy inquest, where he denied there was any “collusion” in connection with the shooting of 10 people in Belfast.
Sir Mike rose to command the army’s First Division between 1984 and 1986.
Between 1995 and 1996 he commanded the UN peacekeeping force in Bosnia.
During the Kosovo campaign he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for leadership.
He became head of the British Army a month before the start of the Iraq war, replacing General Sir Michael Walker.
Sir Mike, or Jacko as he was known, also had the unenviable task of rallying the old forces but will still be fondly remembered as a compassionate and straight-talking general.
He left behind three children from two marriages and four grandchildren.
Paying tribute to his memory, the Parachute Regimental Association said he was a “great leader of men” who will be “missed by many”.
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