Afghan casualty dies in UK hospital

Private Daniel Steven Prior has died at same age as his Falklands soldier uncle A new father wounded in Afghanistan has died at the same age as the uncle he was named in memory of, who was killed in the Falklands war. Private Daniel Steven Prior, of 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, was born the year after the death of Steve Prior, who lost his life trying to save the life of a colleague. The 27-year-old had only returned to Afghanistan a fortnight ago, having flown home to the UK to be with his wife Emily as she gave birth to their son Logan. Prior was fatally wounded by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province last week and was treated at a military hospital in Camp Bastion before being flown back to Britain. He died at the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham on Friday with his family by his side. His parents Ian and Gillian made a joint statement with his wife and newborn son, saying: “Dan was a lively young man with an amazing sense of humour. “He was a wonderful son, husband and father. We are all tremendously proud of him and he will be sorely missed by his family and friends.” Prior, who was from Peacehaven, east Sussex, lived in Colchester, Essex, with his wife. He was described by colleagues as the best soldier in his company. Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Harrison said: “Private Dan Prior died surrounded by his family in England. Two days before, he had been mortally wounded, 4,000 miles away, whist patrolling to bring lasting peace to the village of Char Coucha in Helmand Province. “The village has recently made headlines for its remarkable return from Taliban devastation. Private Prior was one of those incredibly brave young soldiers who made that happen. “This bright, inspiring and able paratrooper knew the risks of war more than almost anyone; his uncle died the year before Dan was born fighting for this great battalion at the battle of Goose Green in the Falklands conflict. Dan had accompanied his family to receive the Elizabeth Cross in his memory only last year.” He said Logan would be proud to learn his father was a “bright star” loved by friends and colleagues alike. Lance Corporal Chris Wilmott, of 10 Platoon, D Company, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, served alongside Prior and his uncle. He said: “It was a great honour for me to serve with Dan Prior especially after serving with his uncle Steve Prior who was my section commander in the late 70s. Dan was, without doubt, focussed, conscientious and destined for great things. For me he will never be forgotten, nor will his uncle Steve.” Prior’s death brings the total number of UK military personnel to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 360. Afghanistan Military guardian.co.uk

Posted by on March 20, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.