Having established themselves around the Scarlet Beach and securing the village of Katika, the troops of the 20th Brigade began to push south towards Finschhafen. In their way stood the Bumi River, guarded by Japanese troops as members of the elite Japanese Marines. It was a tough fight just getting there, but a beachhead was soon established. However, the entire battle was now in danger of collapse. Far from being forced onto the defensive, it was becoming apparent that large numbers of Japanese troops were preparing to attack the beach head at Scarlet Beach, the Brigade's only avenue of supply. The 20th Brigade needed reinforcement, but pedantry at higher command would delay the dispatch of troops by a vital three days.

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