Planned as an RAF operational training station, Keevil was allocated while under construction to the Eighth Air Force as a transport base. Built during 1942, it had eventually three concrete runways, 51 pan hardstandings, two T2 hangars and nine blister hangars. It had also a Ministry of Aircraft Production hangar and office complex at the west end, for assembling and flight testing Spitfires. It was first occupied briefly by the 62nd Troop Carrier Group, equipped with C-47s and C-53s, from September to November 1942. The 67th Observation Group at Membury then used Keevil from November 1942 as a satellite base for its 153rd Observation Squadron, equipped with Spitfires, Havocs and Bostons loaned by the RAF plus a few L-4Bs. After standardising on Havocs, Bostons and A-20s in early 1943, the 153rd Observation Squadron was reformed as the 2911th Bomb Squadron (Provisional), but officially remained at Keevil with its original title until March 1944. Transferred to the Ninth Air Force in October 1943, the station was home briefly to the 363rd Fighter Group, equipped with P-51s, from December 1943 to February 1944. Handed back to the RAF, the station was used for multi-role purposes from March 1944 until closed and placed on Care and Maintenance in 1947. The station boundaries were reduced in 1948 but it was maintained in operational condition, and was a stand-by base for the 3rd Air Force of USAFE during 1955 to 1964. Still owned by MOD, the airfield remains in use for military training exercises. It is also home to the Bannerdown Gliding Club within the RAF Gliding and Soaring Association.