According to the Army, Sir Mike, also known as “Jacko,” passed away on Tuesday while he was with his family.
In a memorial, the British Army stated: “We have learned with deep sorrow that General Sir Mike Jackson GCB, CBE, DSO passed away on October 15 while he was with his family.
“General ‘Jacko’ completed his career as chief of the general staff after serving with distinction for more than 40 years.
“He will be greatly missed, and long remembered.”
The announcement concluded with the Parachute Regiment’s Latin motto, “Utrinque Paratus,” which means “ready for anything.”
According to reports, his warriors nicknamed him “Darth Vader” and “The Prince of Darkness” because of his gravel voice and calm demeanor.
Only a month before the Second Gulf War, popularly known as the Iraq War, he succeeded General Sir Michael Walker as commander of the British Army.
As the nation’s top soldier, the general had to contend with mounting dissatisfaction about the involvement of coalition soldiers and allegations of maltreatment of Iraqi prisoners by UK troops.
