From February 1941, No. 14 Squadron began to conduct anti-submarine patrols off Western Australia in addition to general reconnaissance patrols. It conducted these routine operations throughout the year, and occasionally exercised with Australian Army units. In November the squadron was heavily involved in the unsuccessful search for the light cruiser after she was sunk in a battle with the German auxiliary cruiser "Kormoran". No. 14 Squadron flew more than 60 sorties during this operation, most of which were conducted from remote airstrips.