British Military Establishment
Upavon airfield, now officially called Trenchard Lines, and previously RAF Upavon, is situated about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Upavon village. The site was originally constructed around 1912 as a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) base, and became the home of the RFC Central Flying School on 19 June 1912, later to be the RAF Central Flying School upon formation of the Royal Air Force. Upavon is referred to as the birthplace where the Royal Air Force was formed.
In recent years the main function of the military base has changed, and it is now largely an MoD administrative centre, and home to admin HQs of the British Army. Today the airfield is still used by the RAF from time to time but is now most frequently associated with regular glider activity. With the only permanent RAF unit based there being No. 622 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, providing glider training to members of the Air Cadet Organisation.
The Army Gliding Club also uses the airfield in co-operation with 622 VGS.
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