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Many of the same problems that afflicted the RAAF's capacity to resist on the Malayan peninsula were still painfully evident in the defence of Java and Ambon. With the loss of Malaya (and Singapore), RAAF No. 1 and No. 8 Squadrons joined the 62 Sqn. RAF to make up an attacking force with their remaining serviceable aircraft. Flying out of Palembang in Sumatra they bombed the invasion convoys heading to that area. With the Japanese seizure of that town the planes were withdrawn to Java only to be yet again evicted. The last remaining three Lockheed Hudsons evacuated all the crew they could carry to Australia, leaving W/Cdr. Davis with 140 men to be captured by the Japanese.
The RAAFs No 13 squadron of Hudson bombers was stationed at Ambon. With the threat of war with Japan, 13 Squadron was split into two groups, one detached flight of six Hudsons was based at Laha on Ambon, with another at Namlea. On 23 December 1941 some Hudsons from 13 Squadron RAAF spotted a Japanese convoy at the northern end of the Celebes. By January 1942 the bases at Laha and Namlea were being frequently bombed by the Japanese. The airfields were naturally regarded by the Japanese as threats to their naval and land operations. On 24 January more than 50 aircraft from the carriers Hiryu and Soryu attacked Ambon. Engaged in the air as well as being caught on the ground, 13 Squadron lost 17 planes. The obvious vulnerability of the squadron saw it recalled to Australia and the last Hudsons departed Ambon for the Northern Territory just before the Japanese landings.
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