Former army head Gen Sir Mike Jackson dies at 80

The father-of-three died connected Tuesday surrounded by his family, the service said successful a statement posted connected X.

Born into a subject household connected 21 March 1944, helium joined the service astatine the property of 19 earlier graduating from Birmingham University successful 1967.

At the tallness of the Cold War helium learnt Russian successful the Intelligence Corps.

In 1970 helium transferred to the Parachute Regiment, serving successful Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

He aboriginal attended the Ballymurphy inquest, wherever helium denied determination was a "cover-up" implicit the shooting of 10 people.

Sir Mike roseate to bid the regiment's First Battalion betwixt 1984 and 1986.

Between 1995 and 1996 helium commanded the UN peacekeeping unit successful Bosnia.

During the Kosovo run helium was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for leadership.

He became caput of the British Army conscionable a period earlier the Iraq warfare began, replacing Gen Sir Michael Walker.

He is survived by 3 children from 2 marriages and 4 grandchildren.

Paying tribute to his memory, the Parachute Regimental Association said helium had been a "great person of men" who would beryllium "missed by many".