Obituary: General Sir Mike Jackson, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL (OS 61) (1944-2024)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of General Sir Mike Jackson, a distinguished soldier and a proud Old Stamfordian, who passed away on 15 October 2024 at the age of 80.

Sir Mike Jackson attended Stamford School from 1953 until 1961, boarding in Browne House while his father served in the Army. During his time at Stamford, he was an active member of the school community, playing the violin in the orchestra and singing in the Messiah. He also participated in several dramatic productions, showcasing his versatility and talent.

Athletically inclined, Sir Mike played rugby and tennis and represented Browne in athletics, cross-country and swimming. His leadership qualities were evident early on as he served as a house prefect, a role in which he gained experience in maintaining discipline and taking responsibility for others.

Joining the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in his early teens Sir Mike recalled in his book, ‘Soldier’, “I remember a most improbable Heath Robinson glider, which boys would fly across the playing field only a few feet above the ground… I chose to go in the army section, probably because of my father. I enjoyed the CCF camps, which meant going away for ten days or so with boys from several other schools, sleeping in tents or huts… this was my first taste of soldiering … I’m sure that my experiences in the CCF had a considerable influence in demonstrating the pleasures of soldiering.”

He was encouraged by staff to pursue a military career, including art master Walter Douglas, who suggested he read “On War” by Prussian general and military theorist Carl von Clausewitz. Despite his ambitions, Sir Mike’s Headmaster, Basil Deed, was less in favour saying, “You know, Jackson, you really should go to university.”

Despite this advice to attend university, Sir Mike joined the Army directly from school, later reading Russian Studies at the University of Birmingham whilst attending Sandhurst.

Sir Mike's military career was illustrious and marked by significant achievements and leadership roles. He was originally commissioned into the Intelligence Corps in 1963 before transferring to the Parachute Regiment in 1970. He served three tours in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, including the events of Bloody Sunday and the Warrenpoint ambush. His leadership extended to the Balkans, where he commanded a multi-national division during the Kosovo War and famously stood firm against orders that could have escalated tensions with Russian forces. It was in Kosovo that he served alongside fellow Old Stamfordian Major General John Drewienkiewicz CB, CMG (OS 64).

Promoted to full General, Sir Mike served as Commander-in-Chief, Land Command, and later as Chief of the General Staff, the professional head of the British Army, from 2003 to 2006. His tenure included overseeing the Army during the Iraq War and implementing significant restructuring within the Army.

Knighted in 2004, Sir Mike was honoured by the CCF with a tribute parade in 2005 which he attended, included a Spitfire flypast and performances by the Band and Parachutists of his old regiment. Also, in 2005 Sir Mike was President of the Stamford Endowed Schools Foundation, launching the Bursary Fund and in 2008 he returned to Stamford School to deliver a Foundation Lecture, before returning once again in 2016 for a CCF inspection.