The son of William John Rivett-Carnac, he was born in June 1857 at Steyning, Sussex.
[1] From Harrow he joined the 85th Foot as a lieutenant in February 1876,[2] serving in the Second Anglo-Afghan War of 1878 to 1880.
[3] He served in the Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882, where he was present at the battles of Kassassin Lock and Tell El Kebir.
He was decorated for his contributions in the war with the Khedive's Star, and by the Ottoman Empire with the Order of the Medjidie, 5th Class.
[1] In July 1909 he was made a colonel on the staff and was granted the temporary rank of brigadier-general.