'Soldier's soldier' General Sir Mike Jackson dies at 80

He studied Russian at Birmingham University and famously told a US superior: 'I'm not starting World War Three for you'

The former head of the British Army - who studied in Birmingham - has died aged 80. General Sir Mike Jackson led the Army during the allied invasion of Iraq in 2003 after serving in Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

He died on Tuesday surrounded by his family. The British Army said in a tribute to the father-of-three: “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.

“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.”

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

In 1999, as a platoon commander with 3 Para, the now Barnsley North MP was at Pristina Airport in Kosovo when Sir Mike famously refused to confront Russian forces, telling his American superior: “Sir, I’m not going to start World War Three for you.” Mr Jarvis, who later became Sir Mike’s personal staff officer, said he was a “true airborne legend”.

Born on March 21, 1944, Sir Mike was educated at Stamford School and Sandhurst before being commissioned into the army as an officer in 1963. He later earned a degree in Russian studies from Birmingham University while serving in the Intelligence Corps.

Sir Mike gained a reputation for being a tough and uncompromising soldier and was reportedly nicknamed Darth Vader and The Prince of Darkness by his men due to his cool manner and gravel voice. He became head of the British Army just a month before the Iraq war, replacing General Sir Michael Walker.

During his time as the country’s top soldier, the general had to deal with claims of Iraqi prisoner abuse at the hands of UK troops and growing discontent about the role of coalition troops. In March 2006, he created headlines after criticising kidnap victim Norman Kember, claiming the Briton had not thanked the SAS soldiers who rescued him and his Canadian colleagues from their captors in Iraq.

Sir Mike retired in August of that year having held the post for three-and-a-half years.