A letter from Emma Duffin (1883 - 1979) to her mother, Maria. Although the letter is dated 5 March it is written over several days up to and including 10 March. Emma is a VAD based in Alexandria, Egypt. Here she writes about the impending prospect that she will soon be home as there isn't enough work in her hospital. She has enjoyed her time there and hopes to get to Cairo to see some of the sights before she leaves for home. After some time at home she might consider working again as a VAD in England or France. Finally, she tells how she is looking forward to going home and seeing everybody again. Emma was the fourth daughter and fifth child of Adam and Maria Duffin's nine children. She was educated at Cheltenham Ladies College. Emma served in the Voluntary Aid Detachment (V.A.D.) during the First World War. She served initially in Egypt and was transferred to northern France just before the Battle of Somme, where she remained to the Armistice in 1918. On her return to Belfast, Emma worked as an illustrator of cards and books, including children’s stories written by her sister Ruth. This letter is part of a rich correspondence between various members of the Duffin family, a large prosperous family living in Strandtown, Belfast. Several family members served in the war, including Major Terence Duffin, who served as a staff officer with 107 Brigade, and later with Royal Irish Rifles; Major Charles G Duffin MC, Royal Field Artillery; and their sisters Emma, Celia and Dorothy who served as Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADS) in Egypt and France, and with the YMCA.