George Stacey Hodson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Stacey Hodson
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| Born | 2 May 1899 Belmont, Surrey, England |
| Died | 1 October 1976 (aged 77) Bognor Regis, West Sussex, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal |
| Unit | No. 73 Squadron RFC No. 213 Squadron RAF No. 1 Flying Training School No. 55 Squadron RAF No. 4 Flying Training School No. 5 Flying Training School No. 58 Squadron RAF No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron AAF No. 11 Flying Training School |
| Commands held | RNZAF Wigram No. 44 Base, RAF Holme-on-Spalding Moor No. 93 Group RAF No. 92 Group RAF No. 205 Group RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Order of the Bath Order of the British Empire Air Force Cross Croix de guerre (Belgium) |
George Stacey Hodson was an important officer in the British Royal Air Force. He was born on May 2, 1899, and passed away on October 1, 1976. He started his military career as a brave pilot in World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down ten enemy aircraft. Over his 34 years of service, he became a major leader during World War II.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Hodson grew up in a place called Belmont, in Surrey, England. He went to school at Dulwich College.
World War I Heroics
George Hodson joined the Royal Flying Corps (which later became the Royal Air Force) on September 9, 1917. After his training, he became a pilot in No. 73 Squadron. He flew a single-seat fighter plane called a Sopwith Camel.
Becoming a Flying Ace
Between March 10 and March 31, 1918, George Hodson achieved his first four aerial victories. This means he shot down four enemy planes. On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps joined with another service to form the Royal Air Force. Hodson was promoted to lieutenant.
He then worked as an instructor in England for a while. In August 1918, he returned to France and joined No. 213 Squadron RAF. There, he gained six more victories between September 18 and October 14, 1918. This included shooting down three enemy aircraft in just one day!
Awards for Bravery
For his amazing service during the war, Hodson received the Air Force Cross on June 3, 1919. He was also honored by Belgium with the Croix de guerre on July 15, 1919.
Between the World Wars
After World War I, Hodson continued his career in the Royal Air Force. He was promoted several times, becoming a flying officer in 1919 and a flight lieutenant in 1925. He served in different places, including Iraq and Egypt, where he worked at flying training schools.
In 1931, he became a flight commander in No. 58 Squadron RAF. Later, he was an instructor for No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron. He was promoted to squadron leader in 1935.
In 1938, Hodson went to New Zealand as part of an exchange program with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. He took command of RNZAF Wigram, an important air base. He was promoted to wing commander that same year.
Leading in World War II
When World War II began, Hodson was still in New Zealand. He continued his special duty there. In December 1940, he was promoted to the temporary rank of group captain. He left Wigram in June 1942. For his hard work, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Key Commands During the War
Hodson continued to rise through the ranks. In November 1942, he became an acting air commodore. He was promoted to Air Officer Commanding at No. 44 Base, RAF Holme-on-Spalding Moor.
In 1943, he became a temporary air commodore. By August 1944, he was an acting air vice marshal, leading No. 93 Group RAF. He later led No. 92 Group RAF. By August 1945, he was an air commodore and became the Air Officer Training at the Headquarters of Bomber Command.
After the War
After World War II, George Hodson received more honors. In 1946, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. He continued to hold important leadership roles in the Royal Air Force.
In 1947, he became an acting air vice marshal again. He was appointed to lead No. 205 Group RAF. During this time, he was in charge of moving airfields in Egypt. His headquarters moved from RAF Heliopolis to RAF Fayid.
He was promoted to air commodore in July 1947. In 1950, he became an air vice marshal. He served as the Senior Air Staff Officer for Reserve Command and later for Home Command.
George Hodson retired from the Royal Air Force on September 7, 1951, after a long and distinguished career. He passed away in Bognor Regis in 1976.
