 Later, in September 1943, the battalion attacked Markham Point, before being detached to the 7th Division for the Finisterre Range campaign, during which they moved from Nadzab to Dumpu and helped to clear the Ramu Valley in early 1944, securing the 15th Brigade's western flank as the Australians pushed the advance towards Madang, which was secured in April 1944 by the 57th/60th Battalion.In August 1944, the 24th Battalion was withdrawn back to Australia, embarking aboard the transport "Van Heutsz" at Madang, for rest and reorganization.Disembarking in Townsville, the soldiers were sent on home leave until early October.