RAF Watton

The closure was a result of military downsizing and strategic realignment following the end of the Cold War. The UK's armed forces were significantly reduced, and many bases, including those with specialized signals intelligence roles like Watton, were consolidated or deemed surplus to requirements.

The former airfield has been completely redeveloped and is no longer recognizable as an active airport. The runways have been removed, although their faint outline can still be seen in satellite imagery. The site is now used for a mix of residential and commercial purposes:

- **Housing:** A large portion of the site, particularly the former domestic and accommodation areas, has been developed into a housing estate known as 'Blunden's Meadow'.
- **Industrial/Business Parks:** The former technical site, including some of the original hangars, has been converted into the Blunden's and Neaton's Business Parks, which host a variety of local businesses.
- **Memorial:** A memorial dedicated to the personnel of the USAAF 25th Bombardment Group is located on the site, preserving the memory of its wartime role.

Most of the original military buildings, including the control tower, have been demolished, but a few hangars and smaller structures have been repurposed within the business parks.

RAF Watton has a rich and varied history, playing significant roles in both World War II and the Cold War.

**Pre-War and WWII:**
Opened in 1937 as part of the RAF's pre-war expansion program, it initially served as a bomber station. On September 4, 1939, just one day after the declaration of war, Bristol Blenheims from RAF Watton's No. 107 and No. 110 Squadrons conducted the RAF's first bombing raid against a German target, attacking the German fleet at Wilhelmshaven. Throughout the early war, it hosted various Blenheim squadrons.

In 1943, the station was transferred to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Eighth Air Force. It became the headquarters for the 25th Bombardment Group (Reconnaissance). This was a highly specialized and secret unit that flew modified de Havilland Mosquitos (designated F-8) and P-38 Lightnings on critical missions, including:
- **Photo Reconnaissance:** High-altitude photography of enemy targets, industrial sites, and V-weapon launch sites.
- **Weather Reconnaissance:** Flying deep into enemy territory to gather crucial weather data for planning large-scale bombing raids.
- **Electronic Intelligence (ELINT):** Using specialized equipment to detect and analyze German radar and communications, a vital part of the electronic warfare campaign.
The 3rd Scouting Force, flying P-51 Mustangs, also operated from Watton, scouting ahead of main bomber formations to report on weather and enemy fighter activity.

**Cold War:**
After the war, the station returned to RAF control. It initially hosted Mosquito squadrons before transitioning to the jet age with English Electric Canberra bombers and photo-reconnaissance aircraft. However, its most significant Cold War role was in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic warfare (EW). It became the home of the Central Signals Establishment and later the Radio Warfare Establishment. RAF Watton was a nerve center for developing and managing electronic countermeasures (ECM) and intelligence gathering, operating a fleet of specialized aircraft (including Canberras, Comets, and later Nimrods) that were often based at other airfields but controlled by Watton's personnel. This made it a key intelligence asset for the UK throughout the Cold War until its closure.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening RAF Watton as an airport. The extensive redevelopment of the site for housing and commercial use, combined with the complete removal of critical aviation infrastructure such as the runways and taxiways, makes any return to aviation use unfeasible.