After the landings on Labuan and around Brunei earlier in the month, on 16 June the Australians crossed Brunei Bay and landed a force on the North Borneo mainland around Weston, coming ashore unopposed. This force consisted of two infantry battalions and supporting elements from the 24th Brigade, detached from the 9th Division. The area was defended by elements of the 56th Independent Mixed Brigade, which formed part of the Thirty-Seventh Army, led by Lieutenant-General Masao Baba. The 56th Independent Mixed Brigade was commanded by Major General Taijiro Akashi.