Vigors was posted to Singapore in December 1940, joining No. 243 Squadron RAF as a flight commander, flying American-built Brewster F2A Buffalo fighters. In December 1941 he took temporary command of No. 453 Squadron RAAF (also equipped with Buffalos), in which role he was involved in the action that resulted in the Japanese sinking of HMS "Prince of Wales" and HMS "Repulse".