The capture of Lae was followed up quickly by another operation to secure Finschhafen. Landing at Scarlet Beach, north of the objective, the 20th Brigade formed the division's lead assault element. After overcoming light opposition around the beachhead, the brigade began advancing on Finschhafen, leaving the 2/17th to secure the beachhead. Japanese opposition intensified as they approached the objective, and flanking units around Sattelberg threatened the brigade's rear, forcing Windeyer to deploy forces to guard his flanks and rear. By 2 October, the brigade had secured Finschhafen, having overcome strong resistance crossing the Bumi River, and around Kakakog. After this, reinforcements from the 9th Division arrived and the brigade's headquarters was moved to Heldsbach while elements were deployed at Simbang, Timoro, Kumawa and Jivevaneng. The Japanese launched a strong counterattack on Scarlet Beach in October, during which the 2/17th was isolated around Jivevaneng; the 2/13th was subsequently moved from Katika to fight their way through to the 2/17th, after which the brigade began pushing towards Sattelberg. In November, the 26th Brigade took over the advance, and the 20th went into reserve around Heldsbach, although the 2/15th was detached to the 24th Brigade to push the advance into the Christmas Hills. In December, the 20th Brigade resumed the advance from Masaweng River, moving along the coast as the Australians pushed towards Sio, which they reached in January 1944.