The Basset was a communications aircraft built by Beagle Aviation. It was powered by two Rolls Royce/Continental GIO-470 six cylinder horizontally-opposed engines giving it a maximum speed of 220 mph and a range of 1,645 miles.  Up to eight persons could be carried. A competition was held at Northolt in March 1963 between the B206 and the Devon for an aircraft to replace the Avro Anson, resulting in 20 Bassets being ordered for the RAF.
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The Northolt aircraft were originally based at RAF Bovingdon with the Southern Communications Squadron until the 'SCS' moved to Northolt and became 207sqn on 4th February 1969.  Another squadron, the Northern Communications Squadron, operated Bassets from RAF Topcliffe, later becoming 26sqn at RAF Wyton.

207 Squadron flew Beagle Bassett CC.1s from February 1969 until July 1974. According to the Squadron History Always Prepared, they were plagued by technical problems made worse by a shortage of spares. They were less comfortable than the Devons, cramped and noisy, although pleasant to fly.

 The last Bassetts were flown out to a Maintenance Unit on 29 May 1974 by the COs of 207 (Sqn Ldr GT West) and 32 Squadrons.

XS780 landing at Northolt

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The aircraft operated from Northolt were as follows:

Serial	Model	C/No	Arrived	Notes*
XS765	Basset CC1	B.006	02/69	to A&AEE 9/72, current as G-BSET in support command scheme
XS769	Basset CC1	B.012	02/69	to 5MU late 1973, sold for spares use
XS770	Basset CC1	B.014	09/71	the 'Regal Beagle', was operated by 32sqn after transfer from the Queens Flight. To 5MU 1973, current as G-HRHI in TQF c/s.
XS772	Basset CC1	B.017	02/69	served with 207 and 32sqn, to 60MU 05/74, to G-BCJB.
XS774	Basset CC1	B.020	02/69	op by 32sqn, to 60MU 05/74, to G-BCMW
XS775	Basset CC1	B.021	02/69	to 26sqn Wyton 9/71, eventually used for spares
XS776	Basset CC1	B.024	02/69	to 5MU 06/73, to G-BCJG
XS777	Basset CC1	B.025	02/69	to 60MU 05/74, to G-BCIV
XS778	Basset CC1	B.030	02/69	to 60MU 05/74, to G-BCIX
XS779	Basset CC1	B.034	02/69	to 60MU 05/74, to G-BCJC
XS780	Basset CC1	B.031	02/69	to 60MU 05/74, to G-BCIU
XS781	Basset CC1	B.033	02/69	to 60MU 05/74, to G-BCIY
XS782	Basset CC1	B.036	02/69	to 60MU 05/74, to G-BCJD
XS784	Basset CC1	B.045	02/69	to 60MU 05/74, to G-BCIZ

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* 60MU was at RAF Leconfield, 5MU at RAF Kemble (storage)
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XS765 pictured in the A&AEE colours	One of many Beagle 206's present at Biggin Hill after withdrawl from RAF service
XS777 and XS778 in formation	207 Squadron started being tasked with BBMF Support duties in the Summer of 1971. It was usually regarded as the most popular of all flying sorties to escort the Hurricane and Spitfire to air displays throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.

thanks to Frank Haslam / 207 sqn web site at  http://freespace.virgin.net/frank.haslam/207/
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