 The main elements of the Japanese counterattack had penetrated the forward and thinly stretched Australian lines throughout the previous night.The Japanese exploited the gaps in the line between the 2/28th Infantry and the 2/3rd Pioneer Battalions, and launched an attack towards the coast with the objective of capturing the high ground west of Scarlet Beach, and splitting the Australian forces at Katika.The 24th Brigade withdrew from Katika and the high ground to the north of Scarlet Beach to strengthen the defences around the beachhead in response to the Japanese penetration, while the 20th Brigade was moved into position along the Siki Creek to block the Japanese advancing towards Finschhafen.