Watton

RAF Watton was a pre-war permanent station opened in 1939. Initially it was part of 2 Group Bomber Command but in 1943 it was taken over by the 3rd Strategic Air Depot, USAAF. At this stage a concrete runway was built and extensive maintenance facilities were provided to the south of the airfield at Griston. 3AD were reponsible for B24 Liberator maintenance. The Americans also had the 25th Bomb Group based at Watton. Post-war the RAF Central Signals Establishment was based at Watton until 1965 when regular flying ceased. Because of it's proximity to the Stanta Battle Area the airfield is still used during exercises.