Brigadier Patrick J O'Kane

Brigadier Patrick John O'Kane Commander of 44 Parachute Brigade (Volunteers) died on 29 June 1973 at Tidworth, from injuries received in a parachute jump.

Pegasus Journal October 1973.

Obituary

Brigadier Pat O’Kane

It was with the deepest sorrow and regret that we learned of the death of Pat O'Kane on 29th June.

Pat, at the time of his death, was commanding 44 Parachute Brigade (V) and had been badly injured parachuting five days previously It is cruelly ironic that after a thoroughly Successful tour in this appointment he died just eleven days before he was due to hand over command.

Pat was commissioned into The Royal Berk-shire Regiment in 1944 and saw service in Burma with the Indian Army, being badly wounded just prior to the Japanese surrender.

In 1953 he was seconded to The King's Regiment in Korea where he earned a Mention in Despatches. In 1957 he came to The Parachute Regiment and served as a company commander with the 2nd Battalion. In 1962 in became Second-in-Command of the 1st Battalion and then commanded the 12/13th Battalion from 1964 -1966 with great distinction. He took command of 44 Brigade in August 1970.

Throughout his service Pat was always known and remembered for his warmth of personality, his boundless enthusiasm and his love of life. He was a forceful and natural leader of his fellow men and a man who could and did inspire others by his example, energy and strength of character.

To his wife Wendy, and to his two sons, extend our heartfelt sympathy at this time of their tragic loss. His many friends throughout the Regiment will sorely miss Pat, but we can be grateful that we were fortunate enough to have known this truly great and refreshing character.

Brigadier O'Kane is buried at Aldershot Military Cemetery.

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