 After recovering from his wounds he led the brigades actions during the successful coastal advance towards Sidon and in the Battle of Damour between 5–9 July 1941.During the Syrian campaign against Vichy French forces in Syria and Lebanon he directed the battle of the Litani River on 12 June 1941 and, after recovering from wounds, he led the brigade's actions during the Battle of Damour between 5 and 9 July 1941.Stevens returned with the 21st Brigade to Australia in March 1942.