Ex-British army chief General Sir Mike Jackson - known as 'Prince of Darkness' - dies aged 80

General Sir Mike Jackson, former chief of the General Staff who for almost 45 years has , it has been confirmed.

The dad-of-three, known as "Jacko", was one of the British Army's most high profiler soldiers and served in the likes of Northern Ireland and Bosnia before becoming head of the Army a month before the Iraq War. He earned the title of the Prince of Darkness for his manner and gravelly voice.

He served as Chief of the General Staff between 2003 and 2006 and was succeeded in the role by Gen Sir Richard Dannatt in 2006. He retired from the Army after serving for almost 45 years and passed away today surrounded by his family, at the age of 80.

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Tonight, the British Army said on X: "It is with great sadness we have learnt of the death of General Sir Mike Jackson GCB, CBE, DSO, on 15 October 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."

The tribute was ended with Utrinque Paratus - the Parachute Regiment's motto, meaning "ready for anything. The Parachute Regimental Association added in a tribute: “We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Gen Sir Mike Jackson.”

Gen Sir Mike Jackson was renowned for an incident in June 1999 when he had a confrontation with the American supreme commander of Nato forces in Europe, Gen Wesley Clark. When ordered to intercept Russian forces after they entered Kosovo with Nato's say so, he told the American: "I’m not going to start the Third World War for you."

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his service and nicknamed “Macho Jacko” by the Press. Journalist and defence expert Mark Urban said last night: “Saddened tonight to learn Gen Sir Mike Jackson has died.

"He was a remarkable communicator with a fierce intellect. During the operation to secure Kosovo he took me into his confidence many times, and a friendship grew out of that. Sending condolences to his wife and family.”

One person wrote on X: "I met him on two occasions, as Lance Jack in Bosnia in 2001 and then when I was at Kings College London on my War Studies BA. A great officer. Rest in Peace, Sir."