 The landing was only lightly opposed , and the Australians began to advance south towards Katika where Japanese resistance was stronger , but was nevertheless overcome by the early afternoon . As the 20th Brigade advanced south towards their objective at Finschhafen , intelligence indicated that the Japanese were moving to the high ground to the west at Sattelberg , which was situated about 900 metres ( 3 @,@ 000 ft ) above sea level . Captured documents showed that three infantry battalions were being concentrated at an old Lutheran mission station that had been established at Sattelberg in the 19th century during the German colonial administration of the area . Concerned for the security of his lines of communication due to the presence of Japanese on his flank , the Australian brigade commander adopted more cautious tactics , while reinforcements were called for . Heavy fighting ensued , but Finschhafen fell to the Australians on 2 October . 
