Such sad news....some fantastic memories on the lash in Gibraltar

Swifty you will be missed.  God bless 

I've been away from the site for a while and missed some of the postings on the memo board.

I was particularly miffed to see that Swifty had departed without allowing me to give him yet another bollocking.

When I cry for him I know that it doesn't do him any good so I'm really, selfishly, crying for myself. 

But if we study the postings on this site they are all full of all of our own thoughts and reminiscences - and I'm no different.

I think that Swifty arrived in the Bn when I was a Cpl and up until I left the Bn at the exalted rank of 'Lefftenant' I was forever dogged by Swifty. 

He was the most professional capable soldier and one of the most loyal, decent, honest men I have ever met. Unfortunately, every Monday morning I was forever covering his tracks. Thankfully he always told the truth about whatever the incident was so at least we could cook something up.

He was one of my students on numerous cadres, he was in A Coy as a Cpl when I was the CSM, and he was a fine SNCO and great mess member when I was the RSM.

He kept in touch years later and I got the odd phone call but I don't ever think that Swifty was the same man after the death of his big brother Tony, ex 2RGJ and a Major in the SASC, a personal friend of mine.

I hope the the A Coy lads remember the trip to Jamaica.  I've still got the photos of Swifty and Sammy doing the dance of the Fiery A'holes but I'd like him to be remembered as much more than just a good laugh.

He was a consummate professional who occasionally strayed from the path but always had an eye for those under his wing.

He cared more about what the lads in his section were doing the next morning than where the Fxxx his career was going in the next three months.

Were there a few more of him nowadays then the army would be a different place.

Thank you for your absolute unwavering loyalty to those who you followed and to those who you led.

I am so sorry that you have left us.

God bless you Swifty. 

I am getting to the age when I fear reading these pages, as so many of those being posted about, were not only known to me, but I sometimes consider how lucky I am to still be alive.  Pat Swifts departure has again tested my resolve, I was a Rfn under his brother Tony and the pair of them had a real influence on me and many others.  Tony was tragically taken from us at the height of what I think was going to be an awesome career.  I talked to Pat often about my memories of his brother.  One particular story about how Tony, others and I exchanged our clothes for a camel in Marrakesh! Pat said he had been told this story by Tony, we got into trouble and Tony did not! Pat also had that same family trait, he was funny and loved life to the full, he sometimes survived the trouble that might have lain at his feet, but his secret is out, following the nice kind words from Macker.  I think the last time I saw Pat was nearly 25 plus years ago, but both him and his brother will always be remembered by me.

Good old Swifty,

Swifty, short arse blonde hair with an awesome sense of humour and a cheeky smile. I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Pat on more than one occasion, and what an influence he was. I for one I'm grateful for what I learnt from him and most of all for knowing and working with him, what a character I true a "Wank Durch" Rifleman.

My thoughts are with his family! Pat thank you for some of best memories whilst servicing with you! Gone but not forgotten.

Pat Swift forever "Swift & Bold" 

My dearest friend,

A father, husband, and friend. 

So many lovely, warm, true things have been said by so many great people. I know that you will be truely missed by close family, and the lads of your military family.

His smile, and his 'baby dolls eyes' are something that will paint a great picture in our minds when we think fondly of our own personal memories that involved Pat.

Sleep peacefully Swifty, as I will think of you often with brotherly love and affection.

Wilky

So sad what a great bloke and Rifleman RIP Pat BLACK AND GREEN (STAN)

Pat was my section commander in west Belfast, always had me going for his egg banjo each night while he played cards.God bless