On the outbreak of hostilities in Egypt the regiment, which was then about 800 strong, received orders to embark for the East. The Maryhill contingent, in which he commanded the E Company, left by train for Edinburgh on the 4th August 1882, and arrived in the capital amidst much enthusiasm. After two days in Edinburgh Castle, the whole regiment was entrained for London on the 6th August, their send-off from the city being one of the most extraordinary ever witnessed. Wauchope himself, ten years afterwards, at a meeting of the old members of the Black Watch in Glasgow, when he had become Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment, said 'he would never forget the scene.' 'He had of late,' he said, 'seen great excitement in the political world, he had seen political leaders received in Edinburgh (referring to Mr. Gladstone and the Midlothian election of 1892), and no doubt at times there had been a pretty brave show, but the people's heart never went out to these leaders as it went out to the 42nd when they were leaving Edinburgh Castle for active service in Egypt in 1882. It seemed to him as if every man and woman in Edinburgh was out to see {76} them off. He would never forget that scene of enthusiasm and farewell, and he felt convinced that it affected the whole regiment, more than the eye could see or words could express. On the lips of many a brave man before that campaign was over, the last words had been "Scotland for ever," and he had no doubt their last thoughts were of their homes and native country.' Having embarked at Gravesend in the transport _Nepaul_, Wauchope, with his regiment, landed at Alexandria on the 20th August, and proceeded to Ramleh, where they formed a part of the Highland Brigade under General Sir Archibald Alison. Here Wauchope very soon found his field of action in more than one engagement, and had one or two hairbreadth escapes. On one occasion a body of the rebels held a portion of the city, from which they were to be dislodged. Wauchope got the order to clear the streets. Coming to a house, from every window of which rifles were pointed, he halted his men, but only for a moment. Sword in hand, the captain rushed in, followed by his men. A rifle was pointed full at him, and but for the presence of mind of one of his followers, it would have ended his career. Dashing in front of his officer, the soldier threw up the rebel's rifle just as he fired, the bullet passing through Wauchope's helmet. [Sidenote: Tel-el-Kebir] The occupation of the Canal and the various ports upon its banks were important steps in Sir Garnet Wolseley's endeavour to secure Zagazig, some forty-five miles from Ismailia, the key to the railway system of Egypt. Arabi had also realised its importance, and in order to retain it at all hazards and to prevent the British advance in that direction, had strongly fortified himself at Tel-el-Kebir, about fifteen miles eastward.