sentences:  Promoted midshipman in October 1873, he was assigned to the battleship HMS "Repulse", flagship of the Pacific Station and, after promotion to sub-lieutenant on 18 October 1877, he transferred to the troopship HMS "Serapis" in January 1879.He joined the Royal Yacht HMY "Victoria and Albert II" in June 1879 and was promoted lieutenant on 30 August 1879.Burney joined the corvette HMS "Carysfort" in the Mediterranean Fleet in September 1880 and served ashore in command of a Gatling gun team as part of a naval brigade and saw action at the Battle of Tell al-Mahuta in August 1882 and the Battle of Kassasin also in August 1882 during the Anglo-Egyptian War.