Edward Knight's Family
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Sir Ernest Rice [3] continued.
... 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.
Promoted to Commander, 1870, he was called to the Admiralty to join the newly constituted Department of Naval Ordnance, as Assistant-Director; which position he held until 1874.
Promoted to Captain in 1878.
Naval attaché in Paris from 1879 until 1883. During this time ...
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