36 Squadron, along with No. 100 Squadron RAF retained the obsolete biplanes when Japan invaded Malaya, and flew an unsuccessful attack against the Japanese cruiser "Sendai" during the Battle of Kota Bharu on 8 December 1941. It continued operating against the Japanese, its Vildebeests being supplemented by five ex-Fleet Air Arm Fairey Albacores. Where possible it operated by night, bombing Japanese-held airfields and troops.