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Edward Knight's Family Ernest Rice, Sir. [3] Born February 24th 1840. 'He joined the Royal Navy at the time of the Crimean War in somewhat unorthodox fashion. He had been destined for the Army and received no sort of Naval training – but his acceptance by the Navy being suddenly possible, he joined that service instead. On joining his ship, H.M.S. 'Odin', a mishap occurred, probably due to his lack of Naval training, and he had an accident climbing from the Deal lugger which took him out to the 'Odin'; he hurt his hand severely, and so began his Naval career as a casualty! The ship was bound for the Baltic, and in a very few weeks the fourteen year old Mate had his baptism of fire. An unfortunate attempt was made to attack the boat houses and stores at Gamla Carleby; the Russians prepared a clever ambush and when the boats drew near the Russian shore they were met by a volley of fire for which they were quite unprepared. Ernest was thrown to the bottom of the boat, shielded by the body of the Boatswain, who threw himself across the boy. Twenty-six officers and men were killed or wounded, one account giving the name of Ernest's protector among them – but Ernest himself said that it was this Boatswain who raised him up and said, 'Now Sir, you are in command.' He received the Baltic medal. This was the prelude to a long and varied career. He made up somehow for his lack of training, passing his examinations and specializing in Gunnery. Commissioned as Lieutenant, February 9th 1860, he saw service in the Pacific and on the North America and West India Station. Naval attaché in Paris from 1879 until 1883. During this time he was occupied with delicate negotiations with regard to the joint occupation by British and French Naval Forces of the Suez Canal zone. The British Ambassador expressed his high appreciation of the good work done by the Naval Attache, who 'displayed admirable discretion and tact.' Then followed five years of active service, first in Egypt, where he was present at the battle of Tel-el-Kebir; and later, as Captain of H.M.S. 'Iris', he was instrumental in protecting the inhabitants of Suez from a Mahdist attack. Later he took an active part in the Red Sea operations of 1885, receiving the Egyptian War medal and the Khedive's Bronze Star. In August 1887 he was in command of H.M.S. 'Sutton' of the Channel Squadron, and, during manoeuvres off Malta had the great misfortune to lose his ship – which struck an uncharted rock. No blame attached to Captain Rice, who had carried out his orders exactly to the letter, but his grief at the disaster was profound. He was promoted to Rear-Admiral in 1893; and was appointed Vice-President, Ordnance Select Committee in 1894 – which position he held for two years. He was appointed Admiral Superintendent of H.M. Dockyard, Portsmouth from 1896 until 1899. He was nominated a Knight Commander of the most Honourable Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on June 22nd 1914. Sir Ernest Rice married, first, on September 22nd 1870, Laura Marianne, daughter of Edward York of Wighill Park, Yorkshire, (whose sister Caroline married his brother, John Morland Rice.) By her he had one son and two daughters – his son, Commander Arthur Rice R.N., a brilliant young officer, was killed in a seaplane accident on June 14th 1914. His first wife died on January 18th 1899 and, on September 12th 1903 he married Fanny Julia, daughter of Clinton Dawkins of Over Norton – and widow of Lt. Col. Robert Gunning of the 60th Rifles. His second wife died in 1923; she never fully recovered from the shock she received when her home, Silbertswold Place, near Dover, was burnt to the ground three years previously. Fortunately, largely due to the Admiral's exertions in directing the rescuers, the furniture and pictures were saved from the fire – including the Zoffany portrait of Jane Austen. For the remainder of his life the Admiral lived at Dane Court, which he rented from his nephew Henry. Ernest Rice was a man of forceful character, always the Naval Captain, dominating his family and his sisters, who regarded him with respect and admiration. Underneath this somewhat masterful manner was a sensitive nature, depending greatly upon affection and sympathy. The main influence of his life, in boyhood and youth, had been his father, and a very intimate and pleasurable relationship grew up between them, which Ernest always valued most highly. He died on April 15th 1927 at the age of 87 – and was buried at Tilmanstone.' previous page |