Hodson remained in New Zealand after the outbreak of the war. His exchange posting with the Royal New Zealand Air Force was altered to special duty on 6 April 1940, and on 1 December 1940 he was promoted to the temporary rank of group captain. He eventually left Wigram in June 1942, and in recognition of his efforts was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the King's Birthday Honours the same month."Honours and Awards conferred by His Majesty the King." (25 June 1942), p.64, New Zealand Gazette, 1819 at 1844.
