How gravel-voiced General Sir Mike Jackson was feared & loved by troops – and earned Russians’ respect with his drinking

HE was the gravel-voiced British Army boss nicknamed Darth Vader, who famously refused to “start World War Three” during the Kosovo conflict.

General Sir Mike Jackson, who has died at the age of 80, became our best-known military officer after leading soldiers during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

AFPGeneral Sir Mike Jackson has died at the age of 80[/caption] Tim Graham Photo Library via GetJackson with Prince Harry in 2006[/caption] With 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment...