Basil George Watson (12 October 1893 – 28 March 1917) was an Australian aviation pioneer who died in an aeroplane crash while testing his self-constructed plane on the day before a Red Cross fund-raising carnival at which he was scheduled to give a display of aerobatics.

On Monday morning, 21 March 1910, some 30 spectators witnessed Harry Houdini make an extended flight at Diggers Rest of 7min.

[11][12] Watson received his official aviator’s certificate following his training with the Hall School of Flying at the London Aerodrome, at Hendon, in October 1915.

[15][12] Upon his return to Australia, he began constructing his own biplane, using a Gnome rotary engine he had purchased from Horrie Miller,[17] and "modelled on the Sopwith Scout",[18][19] at Follacleugh, in St Kilda Street, Elsternwick, the family residence;[20][21] and, at the end of 1916, he received permission to test his plane — which he flew between Point Cook, Bendigo, and Melbourne.

[25][26] Watson, promoted as "The Wizard of the Void", "The Athlete of the Sky", and "The Magician of the Air", was scheduled to demonstrate his flying prowess and aerobatic skills at a special fund-raising carnival for the Red Cross to be held at Caulfield Racecourse on Thursday 29 March 1917.