KFOR and Kosovo +25
Conflict in the Balkans
KFOR and Kosovo +25
"In a world where it is increasingly difficult to find international consensus on any geopolitical issue, Kosovo reminds us that it is possible for the international community to come together to help make headway towards a more positive outcome in countries ridden by interethnic conflict."
General Sir Nick Carte
General Sir Mike Jackson GCB, CBE, DSO, DL
General Sir Michael David Jackson, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL, was a prominent British Army officer and one of the most high-profile generals since World War II. He began his military career in 1963, commissioned into the Intelligence Corps, before transferring to the Parachute Regiment in 1970. Sadly, he passed away on 15 October 2024, before the opening of this exhibition.
Jackson first served in the Balkans in 1995-1996, commanding a multinational division of the Implementation Force. After a staff role in the UK, he was appointed commander of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in 1997. During the Kosovo War, Jackson gained notoriety for refusing an order from U.S. General Wesley Clark to block Pristina Airport’s runways and isolate Russian forces. His famous reply, "I'm not going to start the Third World War for you," drew controversy, particularly in the U.S., and earned him the nickname "Macho Jacko" in the British press.
Jackson later formed a working relationship with the Russian Commander, gifting him whisky and assigning British soldiers, led by his son Mark, to protect the Russian contingent. He rose to full general, becoming Commander-in-Chief, Land Command, and later Chief of the General Staff in 2003. His passing will be honoured in both Kosovo and the UK.
Sergeant Simon Valentine
General Sir Michael David Jackson, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL, was a prominent British Army officer and one of the most high-profile generals since World War II. He began his military career in 1963, commissioned into the Intelligence Corps, before transferring to the Parachute Regiment in 1970. Sadly, he passed away on 15 October 2024, before the opening of this exhibition.
Jackson first served in the Balkans in 1995-1996, commanding a multinational division of the Implementation Force. After a staff role in the UK, he was appointed commander of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in 1997. During the Kosovo War, Jackson gained notoriety for refusing an order from U.S. General Wesley Clark to block Pristina Airport’s runways and isolate Russian forces. His famous reply, "I'm not going to start the Third World War for you," drew controversy, particularly in the U.S., and earned him the nickname "Macho Jacko" in the British press.
Jackson later formed a working relationship with the Russian Commander, gifting him whisky and assigning British soldiers, led by his son Mark, to protect the Russian contingent. He rose to full general, becoming Commander-in-Chief, Land Command, and later Chief of the General Staff in 2003. His passing will be honoured in both Kosovo and the UK.
Photo gallery
Personal testimonies
Colonel David Vassello 1
Colonel David Vassallo, a British Army surgeon, recounts his 1999 deployment to Kosovo with 22 Field Hospital. They set up in an abandoned juvenile center near Pristina, his diary documenting the experience.
John - helping local
British soldiers in Kosovo attempted to resuscitate a local man who collapsed, but he died. The family was grateful for their efforts. Due to local beliefs, Kenyan UN police delayed retrieving the body for three hours because of fog.
Paul - wedding
While patrolling "K4 Hill" in Kosovo, a British army team investigated gunfire and discovered a wedding celebration. Invited in, they joined the festivities, with one soldier even participating in the conga.
