Events were overtaken by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the following day, and the Japanese assault on Hong Kong which began on 8 December. "Thanet" and "Scout" hurriedly evacuated the port on 8 December, just hours after the attack began, and made their way to Singapore to join the Eastern Fleet. A small force consisting of the destroyer , the gunboat and eight motor torpedo boats remained behind to fight the Japanese. On their arrival at Singapore on 13 December, "Thanet" and "Scout" carried out various escort duties.