Polebrook was laid down for RAF Bomber Command use in 1940-1941. Built by George Wimpey and Co. Ltd, it had short runways which were lengthened for USAAF heavy bomber use. The RAF used the base for operational trials - including of B-17 Flying Fortresses. In 1942, the airfield was handed over to the Eighth Air Force. Accommodation for over 2,000 personnel was provided on sites built in woodland to the north of the station. The 97th Bomb Group used Polebrook first, before the 351st Bomb Group moved to the airfield in the spring of 1943. They remained at the base until the end of the war. RAF Maintenance Command took over in 1945, and in 1947 Polebrook briefly became a satellite for RAF Upwood. It was declared inactive a year later. In 1959, however, Polebrook became home to a Thor ballistic missile squadron, which remained until 1963.