Just a bit more colour to add to what P6 has posted above ... for those interested
There was a rumour circulating at the time that the Manston runway was listed, although never used, by NASA as an emergency diversionary landing strip for the Space Shuttle programme along with RAF Fairford. Mind you, if true, It would have been interesting to have seen a Space Shuttle do an approach off the North Foreland NDB
Manston was never/still isn't blessed with viable communication routes (Road and Rail) off the Isle of Thanet and this has always been IMHO the handicap in terms of promoting it as a credible London satellite airport. The only operation that seemed to eke out a living was Hugh Kennard's Invicta Airways during the 60/70's ... on the back of the RAF maintaining the airfield/runway.
Along with RAF Leeming, RAF Manston was a MDA (Master Diversion Aerodrome) with Foam Carpet laying capability ... a now somewhat outdated mode of emergency recovery.
If Manston is to go ... then what will happen to the Ministry of Defence Fire Services Central Training Establishment (MOD FSCTE) currently based there. Additionally LFA18 will loose a good diversion runway ... certainly the OC of II(AC) Squadron was glad of the Thanet tarmac when suffering a Bird Strike in January this year
And here's a pic from happier times in the late 60's during the filming of a certain film
Best ...
Coff.