The first time the British Army Telegram Battalion worked under fire was during the Egyptian Campaign of 1882. This was also the first occasion on which a British general was able to report the news of victory from the actual scene of battle.
Sir Garnet Wolseley sent a message to the Queen, and to the Secretary of State for War, announcing his victory over Arabi Pasha, the rebel leader at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir, as soon as the victory was assured. Ý
The 'Macpherson' referred to in the telegram is Lt. Col. Duncan. Shortly after that victory he finished his career as a Colonel commanding the 42nd Regiment District HQ at Perth. He retired in 1885 on the death of his father but served only a year dying in 1886.