Hugh Falconer’s active service lasted two days. After enlisting in August 1915, he finally arrived at the front with the 47th Battalion almost exactly 12 months later, only to suffer multiple gunshot wounds within 48 hours. Despite the amputation of his right leg and a lengthy recuperation in English hospitals, this was not the end of his duty. Falconer was promoted to Lieutenant in June 1917, given an artificial leg and assigned to an AIF Depot in the UK, despite official advice he should return to Australia. He set out for Australia mid-1918 and was formally discharged shortly before the end of the war.
By the time of his return, Falconer’s name had been added to the Toowoomba British Football Association honour board, alongside that of his brother John. Match reports suggest one or both brothers had played for Park Rangers in 1914.
Falconer converted a livery stable into a motor garage which specialised in Ford vehicles. He also became the President of the Toowoomba chapter of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (later known as the RSL),