RAF Harrington in Harrington, England

RAF Harrington was originally built in 1943 as a training unit, but was converted for heavy bomber use in 1944 and became USAAF Station 179. The 801st Bombardment Group was stationed there and participated in Operation Carpetbagger, delivering supplies to resistance groups in enemy territory. After World War II, the airbase fell into disuse and returned to farmland. In the 1950s, the US developed the Thor intermediate-range ballistic missile as a response to the Soviet Union's nuclear capabilities. The former airbase at Harrington was repurposed as a Thor missile site in 1958, with three concrete launch pads and ancillary buildings. The Thor missiles were operational until 1963, when they were retired in favor of intercontinental ballistic missiles. After the end of Project Emily, the site was returned to agricultural use, and many of the concrete areas were removed. Today, the ruins of the launch pads, pyrotechnic store, and classified storage building remain. In 2011, the Thor missile site was awarded Grade II listed status, recognizing its importance as a piece of Cold War architecture. RAF Harrington is considered the most intact of the 20 former Thor missile sites.