27 August 1942

As the battle of Isurava rages, Moresby is threatened from another direction as a large Jap force lands at Milne Bay, about 2000 marines with tank support.

At Isurava the main body of the 2/14^th Battalion reaches the embattled 39^th Battalion as the fighting there intensifies.

Brigadier Arnold Potts realizes his 53^rd Battalion cannot hold the eastern side of the Eora Creek at Abuari and commits his 2/16^th Battalion to assist them.

Potts advises General ‘Tubby’ Allen in Moresby that 53^rd’s “training and discipline below standard required for action” and asks that he send him his 2/27^th Battalion as a fighting reserve. Allen tells Potts of Milne Bay landing and says he must retain 2/27^th until situation at Milne Bay clear.