Layton took command of the China Station in September 1940. In May 1941, he was informed that Admiral Sir Tom Phillips would succeed him. The battleship and battlecruiser were deployed to Singapore in December 1941 as a deterrent to Japanese attack, with Phillips in "Prince of Wales". Layton broadcast a message to the Malayan people, telling them of the improvements to defence on the arrival of these two capital ships in Singapore. On 10 December, he handed over the naval command to Phillips and prepared to return home. Later that day, "Prince of Wales" and "Repulse" were sunk off Malaya by Japanese air attack. Layton was then recalled as Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Fleet.