Colonel Wauchope's services in the Nile Expedition of 1884-85 were acknowledged by two clasps to his Egyptian medal, inscribed Nile and Kirbekan.
It is a significant commentary upon the modesty of the man, that while the records of the regiment at this time, from which we have gathered these particulars of its movements in the Nile Expedition, were compiled by Colonel Wauchope himself, Colonel Bayly, who was then its commanding officer, has pointed out to us 'that just for that reason we will find his name less mentioned than it ought to be.'
The Black Watch returned to Cairo, where they remained for over a year, during which time Wauchope had quite recovered from his wounds and was able to resume duty.
Malta and Gibraltar
On the 30th April 1886 the regiment left Cairo, sailing from Alexandria in the steamship Poonah under orders for Malta, and reaching that interesting island on the 5th May. During the three years that followed, when the 42nd were quartered there, and afterwards at Gibraltar, Colonel Wauchope was several times home on leave of absence, but not for any lengthened period. During these years, the 42nd had the round of the various barracks with which that important military station is studded—Ricasoli, St. Elmo, Floriana, Gozo, and Pembroke Camp. The last, which is about two miles west of the harbour and fortifications of Valletta, was occupied for a time when the troops were engaged in firing practice, and one gentleman who was then in Malta, acting as assistant to Dr. Wisely, the resident chaplain, mentions that he always found the Colonel exceedingly kind, occasionally asking him to join the officers' mess, and showing him much attention. From frequent intercourse with him, he formed the impression that 'he was one of the most modest and unassuming of men; and, he might add, one of the most sensible.'
But Wauchope's influence and personality were not limited to his military duties, or to the British soldiers merely. He had a great deal to do with the Maltese, especially in connection with the formation of a Malta Militia. We are told by Dr. Wisely that he 'entered into the organisation of a body of native militia with his usual thoroughness; and,' he says, 'by none was he more respected than by the native inhabitants of the island. The Maltese loved him. When the news came of his death, some of them I know wept for sorrow.'
At the sale of the whale-boats of the Nile Expedition, Wauchope purchased two or three of them, and had them sent to Malta, where they were largely used, and to good effect, by his men for recreation purposes. With a good deal of the sailor in him, he encouraged races and aquatic sports in and about Valletta, he himself taking an active personal interest in them, and being a good deal out with the boats.
His old shipmate of the St. George, Prince Alfred, who had now been created Duke of Edinburgh, and was then serving as captain of one of the warships in the Mediterranean, and afterwards as commander-in-chief of the Malta station, came a good deal in contact with Wauchope at this time. There was a frequent interchange of visits between them. 'The Duke,' says Colonel Bayly, 'had always the greatest regard for Wauchope, calling him, as of old, by his Christian name of Andy, and showing the utmost friendship.' In this way the otherwise tedious routine of garrison duty was considerably lightened.
In June 1889, Wauchope was honoured by having conferred upon him by Her Majesty the distinction of Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, in recognition of his splendid services in Egypt.