Mass-Observation, established in 1937 was designed to capture the thoughts, observations and thinking of the nation through a network of voluntary observers. Winifred Challis as one of this group of diarists, provides a colourful insight into life in Bury St Edmunds and wider West Suffolk during the second World War. Her writings contained strong opinions and scathing comment on morals and relationships. Combined with tantalising glimpses of her support and relationship with an ‘internee’, has provoked a more in depth look at these aspects of life in a market town turned upside down by the war. This illustrated talk will explore how war affected attitudes to sex and relationships and particularly the impact of an influx of transient service personnel, both British and American.