Indirectly, the 1914–18 war led to the development of the Polar Front theory (suggested earlier by Shaw and Lempfert) and to its application to weather forecasting; when Norwegian meteorologists, denied weather reports from other nations, conducted a close examination of an enlarged network of observations within their own country.

In 1914–18 war was the first in which specialised meteorological information was extensively used and in this way, Kidson first came into direct contact with meteorology.

After completing the computations of his Australian Magnetic Survey at Washington he sailed for England in July 1915. While engaged on some temporary work at English Observatories, he came into contact with Sir Napier Shaw, the Director of the Meteorological Service of the Royal Engineers. Shaw was looking for men to join it, and was instrumental in having Kidson appointed assistant to meteorologist, Capt. P. M. Wedderburn. Thus Kidson found himself attached to the Meteorological Section with the Army in the Salonika Theatre of war with the rank of Lieutenant. Wedderburn left Salonika in November 1917 and Kidson took command of the Meteorological Section with the rank of Captain. At the close of the war he was awarded the 'O.B.E.', and was 'mentioned in despatches'.

Bureau of Meteorology