RAF Methwold / Waylands Airfield

The initial closure of RAF Methwold in 1993 was a direct result of the end of the Cold War and the subsequent UK defence spending review known as 'Options for Change'. This led to a significant reduction in the size of the armed forces and the consolidation of the defence estate, making many bases like Methwold redundant. The later closure of the civilian Waylands Airfield was due to the sale and large-scale redevelopment of the land for industrial agriculture, which made continued aviation operations impossible.

The site is now almost unrecognizable as an airfield. It was acquired by the major poultry producer Bernard Matthews Ltd. and has been extensively redeveloped into one of the UK's largest industrial poultry farms. Large poultry sheds and processing facilities have been constructed across the former technical site, taxiways, and even parts of the main runways. While the outline of the runways and perimeter track can still be seen from the air, they are broken up and primarily used as access roads for the agricultural operation. Some original WWII-era buildings, including the control tower, may still exist in a derelict state, but the site is private property and not accessible to the public.

RAF Methwold has a rich and varied history. It was opened in 1938 as part of the pre-war RAF Expansion Scheme.

- **WWII (RAF Bomber Command):** Initially, it was a station for No. 3 Group, RAF Bomber Command. Squadrons such as No. 149 and No. 218 flew Vickers Wellington and later Short Stirling bombers from Methwold on raids over occupied Europe.

- **WWII (USAAF Eighth Air Force):** In 1943, the station was transferred to the United States Army Air Forces and designated USAAF Station 131. It became the home of the 466th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which flew Consolidated B-24 Liberator bombers as part of the 2nd Air Division, Eighth Air Force. The 466th flew over 230 combat missions, targeting strategic sites in Germany and supporting major ground operations, including the D-Day landings.

- **Post-War (RAF):** After the war, the station was returned to the RAF in July 1945. It was used by various units, including Transport Command and Maintenance Command. Its most notable Cold War role was as a Bloodhound surface-to-air missile site, home to No. 220 Squadron RAF from 1960 until the missile system was withdrawn in 1969. The final military use was as a training area for the RAF Regiment before its final closure.

Effectively none. The comprehensive redevelopment of the site for large-scale industrial agriculture has permanently compromised its aviation infrastructure. The cost to acquire the land from a major commercial enterprise and restore the runways and facilities to an operational state would be prohibitive. There are no known plans, proposals, or campaigns for its reopening as an airfield.