Michael Rose (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Mike Rose
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Lieutenant General Sir Mike Rose (left) with General John Shalikashvili in 1994
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| Born | 5 January 1940 British India |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1959–1997 |
| Rank | General |
| Service number | 460818 |
| Commands held | United Nations Protection Force (1994–95) UK Field Army (1993–94) Staff College, Camberley (1991–93) 2nd Infantry Division (1989–91) Director Special Forces (1988–89) Special Air Service (1979–82) |
| Battles/wars | The Troubles Falklands War Bosnian War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order Queen's Gallantry Medal Mentioned in Despatches (2) |
Sir Mike Rose, born on January 5, 1940, is a retired general from the British Army. He is well-known for leading the Special Air Service (SAS), a special forces unit. He also served as the Commander of the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia during the Yugoslav Wars in 1994.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
Sir Mike Rose grew up as the stepson of the famous British author John Masters. He studied at Cheltenham College, then went to Oxford University, and later the Sorbonne in Paris.
He first joined the army as a private soldier in a volunteer reserve unit in 1959. Soon after, he became an officer in the Gloucestershire Regiment. He later transferred to the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve for a short time before returning to the army.
A Career in the Military
After finishing university, Sir Mike Rose officially joined the regular army in 1964. He became a major in 1972. From 1973 to 1975, he worked with the 16th Parachute Brigade and served in Northern Ireland. For his service, he was recognized with a "Mention in Despatches."
Leading the Special Air Service (SAS)
In 1978, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. From 1979 to 1982, he was the commanding officer of the 22 SAS, a very important special forces unit. During this time, he was in charge of the operation to free hostages from the Iranian Embassy Siege in London in 1980. This event was so famous that a movie called 6 Days was made about it in 2017, where an actor played him.
In 1981, while serving in Northern Ireland again, he received the Queen's Gallantry Medal for his bravery.
The Falklands War
Sir Mike Rose played a key role in the Falklands War. He led special operations during the conflict. After the war, he was promoted to colonel in 1982. He even helped negotiate with the Argentine forces to arrange their surrender. He used skills he learned from the Iranian Embassy siege to help with these talks.
Becoming a General
He continued to rise through the ranks. In 1983, he became a brigadier and commanded the 39th Infantry Brigade. From 1988 to 1989, he became the first ever Director Special Forces, overseeing all of Britain's special forces.
He was promoted to major general in 1989. He then led the 2nd Infantry Division, based in York. In 1993, he became a lieutenant general and was knighted, which means he received the title "Sir."
Commander in Bosnia
From January 1994 to January 1995, Sir Mike Rose served as the Commander of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in Bosnia. This was a very challenging role, as he was responsible for peacekeeping during a difficult conflict. For his service in Bosnia, he received the Distinguished Service Order in 1995.
He retired from the army in 1997.
Life After the Military
After leaving the army, Sir Mike Rose continued to be involved in public life. He became a Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Somerset in 2003. He also joined the board of Skarbek Associates in 2012, where he helps with leadership and teamwork programs.
Speaking Out on the Iraq War
In 2006, Sir Mike Rose gained public attention when he spoke out against the Iraq War. He believed that the UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, had led the country into the war under false reasons. He even suggested that the Prime Minister should be removed from office.
In 2007, he said that the forces in Iraq should leave, calling the war "hopeless." He compared the situation to the challenges faced by the British during the American War of Independence.
