Edward Knight's Family
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Sir Ernest Rice [3] continued.
... 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.
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