Former head of British Army Sir Mike Jackson dies at age 80

General Sir Mike Jackson, who was formerly called 'The Prince of Darkness' has died at the age of 80. 

The father-of-three was the Chief of the General Staff for three years, from 2003 and 2006. 

Born on March 21, 1944, the General was well liked amongst military personnel for his fair and no-nonsense style of leadership. 

After graduating from Sandhurst, he was commissioned into the Intelligence Corp in 1963 before later becoming part of the Parachute Regiment.

The 80-year-old served for his country in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and was the head of the British Army before the Iraq war ensured. 

The dedicated Army man was dubbed 'The Prince of Darkness' for his hoarse voice and cool demeanour. 

In the wake of his death, several high-ranking Army officials as well as the British Army themselves have released touching tributes to the veteran who dedicated nearly 45 years of his life to the forces. 

British Army released a heartfelt statement to the General, who was also referred to as 'Jacko'.

'It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Gen Sir Mike Jackson GCB, CBE, DSO, on Oct 15 surrounded by his family,' the statement read.

'General "Jacko" served with distinction for over 40 years, finishing his career as Chief of the General Staff.'

'He will be greatly missed, and long remembered. Utrinque Paratus.'

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, who was previously a part of the Parachute Regiment, and was General Sir Jackson's aide de camp called him a 'soldier's soldier'.

'An outstanding, inspirational and charismatic leader and a true airborne legend,' he added.

Last night, former head of the Army Lord Dannatt said: ‘I am devestated to hear of the death of Mike Jackson. 

'He was a huge character - an inspirational leader - and loved by all those who knew him. 

'In particular, the people of Kosovo will always be in his debt for the extraordinary operation he led to bring them their freedom from oppression and independence in 1999. 

'They don’t make them like Mike anymore. He will be hugely missed but must be hugely celebrated for his contribution to our national life.’ 

In a statement, the Parachute Regimental Association announced his death, writing: 'We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Gen Sir Mike Jackson.' 

Britain's defence attaché to Kosovo, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Green, said: 'It is with great sadness to hear of the death of General Sir Michael Jackson.

'He led Nato's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps during the intervention here in 1999 as the 1st Commander of K-For.

'A legendary figure in the British Army, he will be long remembered here in Kosovo.' 

Ex-company commander in the Parachute Regiment, Major Andrew Fox also released a heartfelt tribute, adding: 'I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of Gen Sir Mike Jackson.

'A glare and a voice like gravel, who at ten yards could skewer a mid-level officer who had been asked to read out a contentious letter from the RSM at a regimental charity meeting. And yes, that is oddly specific.

'But also a tremendous capacity for drinking every other man in the mess under the table, and a wicked sense of humour. 

'My honour to have spent time in his company on a couple of occasions.'

General Sir Jackson was present on Bloody Sunday in January 1972, an incident which saw 13 Catholic men killed in Londonderry during a civil rights march. 

After the Saville Inquiry found the men were gunned down 'without justification', he released a 'fulsome apology', according to the Telegraph. 

He went on to take part in two further tours in Northern Ireland, and during the second he saw the IRA's Warrenpoint massacre - where 18 British soldiers were killed.

He also served in the German capital of Berlin, and later acted as the commander of the UN's peacekeeping force in Bosnia from 1995 until 1996. 

He was also dubbed 'Macho Jacko' following a run-in with American supreme commander of Nato, Gen Wesley Clark, where he refused to intercept Russian forces in 1999.

For his over four decade long service, he was given the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). 

He was also a critic of the new Labour's support of the armed forces following his departure in 2007. 

His son Mark, also served in the Parachute Regiment following his own long tenure. 

He leaves behind his two sons Mark and Tom, his daughter Amanda, and his wife, Sarah, as well as his grandchildren.