diff --git a/generator/mavgen_javascript.py b/generator/mavgen_javascript.py
index 2635b3322..477e82890 100644
--- a/generator/mavgen_javascript.py
+++ b/generator/mavgen_javascript.py
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ def generate_preamble(outf, msgs, args, xml):
     events = require("events"), // for .emit(..), MAVLink20Processor inherits from events.EventEmitter
     util = require("util");
 
+var Buffer = require('buffer').Buffer; // required in react - no impact in node
 var Long = require('long');
 
 // Add a convenience method to Buffer