HMIS "Bombay" was based in Sydney from the time of commissioning until September 1942. As such, she was present in Sydney Harbour during the Japanese midget submarine operation on 31 May – 1 June 1942. In September 1942 "Bombay" left Sydney for Colombo. While based at ports in British India, "Bombay" was responsible for escorting convoys between India and the Persian Gulf. In April 1945 "Bombay" operated in support of Operation Dracula.