"But these days it's a grunt base where squaddies learn to drive lorries by numbers."
Non.
It is derelict. RAF Leconfield is the sole place (fish joke anyone?), and is tri service to boot. Blue jobs learn truck mashing there too.
Correct me if I am wrong here, but it was a highly foresighted individual or committee that came up with the 30s expansion period design of aerodrome. All the places that are/have been closed in the last 30 years are of this type. I.e bloody useful. No-one would complain if Netheravon was swapped for Coltishall on the grim reaper list.
As an aside, Upavon was the oldest station in the RAF when I was there. Went back years later on Army course. Middleton block was the RAChD HQ. Yes, I do know why it was called "Middleton". Bloody disgrace. Place was a shambles.
Grrr!