Why I want people to always remember my Army dad
12-year-old Logan Prior’s dad, PTE Daniel Prior, was fatally wounded while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. Logan, who had only been born the previous month, has had to grow up without his dad by his side – something that has become more impactful with every passing year. Here, Logan shares what what remembering his hero means to British Forces children like him, and how bereaved military children’s charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers have helped support him since he was just a toddler.
Logan holding a picture of his hero (Photo credit: Sonja Horsman)
Honouring my Army dad
There’s stuff about my dad I don’t remember because I was only a baby when he died. It makes me sad because I never really got to see what he was like, and he didn’t get to see what I was like or see me grow up. I find times like his birthday and Christmas harder than I used to, but it also feels more important now. I want to make sure people always remember my dad.
Pte Daniel Prior
Remembering my Army hero
My favourite story about my dad is the time he jumped out of an aeroplane and had to use his emergency parachute because his normal one wasn't working, which I think is really cool. He also used to play lots of jokes on people. My favourite is when he pushed his friend down a hill in a barrel. I think he would have been a really funny dad. I sometimes play jokes on Mum like he did. Me and Mum also like to look at photos of him together. My favourites are the ones of Dad holding me when I was a baby and the ones of him standing in his Army uniform.
There have been a few times I’ve talked about my dad in class. Sometimes I can get a little bit nervous talking about what happened, but I think it's good to talk about my dad with people. I’m very proud of him and I want other people to know about him too.
Dan on operation in Afghanistan
Meeting other British Forces children
I always like meeting other children from Scotty’s because it helps you know that you're not alone and that there are other people struggling as well.
I think it’s really good to know other people whose parents also served in the military, and I sometimes get to see my dad’s friends too. Some of them are still in the Army and I think it’s cool to have that connection.
Logan enjoying a Scotty break at Devon Cliffs
How Scotty’s helps military children smile
My favourite thing Scotty’s does are the Christmas parties as I really like spending time with the other Scotty members. They can relate to me and I can relate to them and they’re just all nice people. I’ve also been on lots of Scotty breaks – my favourite was Devon Cliffs because of the all the arcades and activities. I even went bungee jumping, which I really liked and think my dad would have liked, too. We went with my grandparents, which was really good. I see them lots and stay over once every two weekends. They’re really important to me and they help me remember my dad.
Dan celebrating Christmas in Afghanistan
What does Remembrance mean to a bereaved military child?
Remembrance makes me feel really happy, but it's also quite hard for me sometimes. I'm really proud of my dad for what he did and it’s a good time to reflect on his bravery and the sacrifice he made for me and our country, but remembering him also makes me feel sad because he’s not here.
At Remembrance, I would normally visit dad’s family and spend time with my grandparents. While I’m there we visit his grave and do the two-minute silence. I sometimes like to think that my dad is there with me. I like to see other people remember as well, as I know one of the people they’re remembering is him.
Daniel holding newborn Logan
About Scotty’s
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a military charity dedicated to supporting children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
Scotty’s currently supports over 650 members and services offered include access to child bereavement support, guidance to parents and carers, personal education and learning assistance (including grants), and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
If you know a child or young person who has experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, they could be eligible for specialist bereavement support from Scotty's Little Soldiers. Hundreds of bereaved military children aren’t getting the support they need but we are here to help.
If you know a bereaved military child who could benefit from Scotty’s Little Soldiers support, visit our Get Support page for more information.
Logan and his mum, Emily
