The 9th Division was subsequently moved back to Palestine in November, occupying Julis camp as preparations were made for the division to return to Australia to join the fighting in the Pacific. This move began in January 1943. A period of leave followed, after which the 20th Brigade was reconstituted at Kairi, Queensland, where training was undertaken to prepare for deployment to New Guinea. Amphibious warfare training was undertaken during this time, as the division was assigned to an operation to capture Lae, which commenced in early September 1943. A preliminary move was made from Cairns to Milne Bay, after which the 20th Brigade landed on the coast east of Lae. Tasked with securing the beachhead and mounting patrols, the brigade played a limited role in the advance on the town, although the 2/17th Battalion was detached to the 26th Brigade during this stage of the operation. Just before the town was secured, the 4th Brigade arrived to relieve the 20th, which began moving east as the 9th Division's reserve element.