Initially, the Squadron was equipped with Vickers Vincents. From the outbreak of hostilities with Japan, the Squadron operated the Short Singapore Mk.IIIs (transferred in October 1941 from No. 205 Squadron RAF) mainly on maritime patrol and anti-submarine duties, rescuing more than fifty survivors of ditched aircraft and successfully attacking a Japanese submarine in the process with the elderly Singapores. These types were superseded by Consolidated PBY Catalinas, which aided the air-sea rescue capability. The Squadron moved from Fiji in late 1944 to operate between Espiritu Santo and the Admiralty Islands. During this time the later conqueror of Mount Everest, Edmund Hillary, served with the Squadron. In November 1944, the Squadron moved to Luganville Seaplane Base on Espiritu Santo to carry out anti-submarine patrols and escort duty In August 1945, the Squadron was withdrawn to Fiji.