Michael Wilkes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Michael Wilkes
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|---|---|
| Born | 11 June 1940 |
| Died | 27 October 2013 (aged 73) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1961–1995 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | UK Field Army 3rd Armoured Division 22 Armoured Brigade 22 SAS Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire |
General Sir Michael John Wilkes (born June 11, 1940, died October 27, 2013) was a very important officer in the British Army. He held a high position called Adjutant-General to the Forces from 1993 to 1995.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Michael John Wilkes was born on June 11, 1940, in Steep, Hampshire. His father was also an officer in the army. Michael went to King's School, Rochester. While there, he enjoyed playing rugby.
Military Career Highlights
Starting His Army Journey
In 1961, Michael Wilkes officially joined the Royal Artillery as an officer. This was the start of his long and successful career in the army.
Leading the SAS Regiment
At just 36 years old, in 1977, he took charge of the 22 SAS Regiment. This special unit was given a new and very important job: fighting terrorism.
Under Wilkes's leadership, the SAS trained hard for difficult situations. They practiced how to handle hostage crises and talk to people making demands. They also learned how to act quickly if talks failed. The regiment became very good at dealing with different terrorist tactics.
Helping in a Hostage Crisis
In October 1977, a plane with about 90 people was hijacked. It was flying from Majorca to Frankfurt. The German government asked Britain for help. Wilkes sent a small team from the SAS to advise Germany's anti-terrorist squad, GSG 9.
The plane was successfully taken back in Mogadishu, Somalia. All the hostages were freed. This event showed how important the SAS's training was. It also led to even more training and organization for anti-terrorist missions.
Important Roles and Awards
Wilkes continued to rise through the ranks. In 1984, he became the commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade. He then became the Director SAS in 1986.
During the Gulf War, he played a key role. He was the Land Deputy to the main commander of the Gulf Forces. In 1993, he became the Adjutant-General to the Forces. This was a very senior position in the British Army. He retired from the army in 1995.
Life After the Army
After leaving the army, Sir Michael Wilkes took on a new role. In 1995, he became the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey. This meant he was the Queen's representative on the island of Jersey. He held this important position until 2001.
Sir Michael Wilkes passed away on October 27, 2013. He was 73 years old. He left behind his wife, Anne, and their two sons.
