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Edward Knight's Family Walter Brook Rice. [3] Born March 20th 1837. He served in the Crimean Campaign, being present at the siege of Sebastopol. Awarded the Crimean War medal with bar, and the Turkish medal for the Crimea. 'Walter brought laughter into any assembly and had true gaiety of heart, his wit and humour were always kind. Like his brother Augustus, he was quick at repartee – on one occasion, when dining with friends, he asked permission to change his seat, as being very susceptible to heat and cold, he found the fire behind him like a furnace. 'Humph', said an old general, 'I did not know that young officers could not stand fire.' 'Not at their backs Sir,' said Walter at once. His health was never good and he was often obliged to go on sick leave – but he stuck to his profession and completed his years of service, remaining for 31 years in the Royal Artillery. After his retirement he settled for a time in a village near Dane Court – but the climate of East Kent did not suit him, and he went to live in Aviemore, a village in Inverness. He delighted in his neighbours, and soon became their adviser and helper in all manner of ways. He visited them, gave them substantial help in illness or poverty, cheered them with his wit and petted and spoiled their children. Old or young, all adored ' the General.' On Christmas Night 1892, he had been attending the funeral of a Highlander, and, on his way home, decided to skate on Loch-an-Eilan. The Loch was said to be dangerous, but he thought that a Highland superstition and sent his servant to a cottage to borrow a chair. But the woman refused, she said the General must not skate on the Loch, and she would do nothing to abet him. Walter took no notice however, and went on to the Loch, his servant watching from the bank. Almost at once the ice broke under him and he was plunged into the icy water, dragged down by the heavy clothing he was wearing. He called to his servant, 'Goodbye, Donald, in one minute I shall be drowned.' The man raced to the cottage, and though all was done that could be done, it was of no avail. The shock and grief, not only to his family, but to the whole of Aviemore, was profound. When it was decided to take his body back to Kent for burial, the coffin was carried the two and a half miles to Aviemore Station by relays of Highlanders. A stone to his memory was erected by the people of Aviemore, on the spot where his body was recovered. Walter never married. He had many friends, including various unmarried ladies, with whom he was on almost lover-like terms. His sisters were always expecting to hear of his engagement – but there was safety in numbers! He died on December 26th 1892, and was buried at Tilmanstone. (Epitaph page 247.) A beautiful one-light window, depicting the Centurion Cornelius and with the inscription:- 'To the Memory of a beloved brother,' was placed in Tilmanstone church by his sister Caroline. previous page [106-108] |