Roscoe Lecture - General Sir Mike Jackson

08 December 2009

General Sir Mike Jackson delivered the 89th Roscoe Lecture in front of a 900 strong audience at St George’s Hall.

General Sir Mike Jackson General Sir Mike, Former Head of the British Army, captivated the crowd by recounting his military career in his lecture, entitled 'Challenge for the New Model Army'.

Speaking of conflict in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Afghanistan - all places in which he has been involved in a professional role, Jackson highlighted that the resolution to such conflict cannot be achieved solely by the military forces: "It's not just about the soldier, but about the politicians, the engineers, the humanitarians. It was a long way back when defence was an issue at the British Election but I vey much hope it will be at the next General Election."

Jackson concluded by praising those currently serving in the armed forces stating: "Those soldiers, mainly youngsters, are as good as their fathers and their grandfathers. Their great sacrifice and risk taking confirms the ethos that binds the armed forces together."

Prior to the lecture, a Good Citizen Award was presented to 96 year old Colonel Bryson for his courage and fortitude. Colonel Bryson, who was a soldier, lawyer, judge and academic author, has given 75 years of service to the legal profession and is the recipient of the Queen's Commendation for Bravery.

Also honoured during the event, were William and Emily Saunders of Booker Avenue Primary School. They were the first recipients of the Friends of the Foundation Citizenship Award. William and Emily spent the summer months this year selling cakes and raffle tickets to raise £900 for Macmillan Cancer Support following the death of their father.

General Sir Mike Jackson with William and Emily Saunders and their headmaster