As part of the transfer of Australian combat troops to the Pacific, the 2/4th was withdrawn from Syria in December 1941 and subsequently transported back to Australia to help bolster the garrison there following Japan's entry into the war. In May 1942, after a period of leave, the regiment concentrated around Caloundra, in Queensland, after which a long period of training for jungle warfare took place. During this time the regiment was warned out for possible deployment on a number of occasions, but was ultimately not required. Some personnel were detached for service in New Guinea around Milne Bay and with "Lilliput Force", but the regiment did not see action again until early September 1943 when the 54th Battery deployed a detachment of 31 artillerymen and two Short 25-pound artillery pieces to support the US 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment's airborne landing at Nadzab, as part of Allied efforts to capture Lae during the Salamaua–Lae campaign. Following the successful capture of Nadzab, the rest of the regiment was transported by air and supported the Australian 25th Brigade's advance on Lae, and then the Australian 7th Division's subsequent involvement in the Finisterre Range campaign, during which its fire played a significant role in the successful capture of Shaggy Ridge by the Australian infantry on 27 December.