At the outbreak of World War II Faulkner joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force and became a fighter pilot. He saw action in both Europe and North Africa flying a Supermarine Spitfire. He showed his prowess as a fighter pilot by being the first Allied pilot to land at Anzio, Italy, when Allied forces fought their way ashore during Operation Shingle. After returning to New Zealand after the war he was employed as the credit manager of a furniture company.