With the recapture of Kokoda highly unlikely, Maroubra Force established a defensive position back at Deniki.

Deniki is perched high on the side of a valley overlooking Kokoda and the Yodda Valley. It is the doorstep into the valley that Eora Creek flows through and is the beginning of the winding mountainous track through the Owen Stanley’s that is Kokoda.

From Deniki the Australian soldiers could see Kokoda village and the airstrip. Deniki provided an observation point to see deep into what was now Japanese held territory, and it enabled the Australian’s to be able to react if it became obvious the Japanese were preparing to out flank them. 

The Japanese were well aware of the advantages Deniki provided, after three days of preparation the Japanese commenced attacks on Deniki.

12th of August 1942 the Japanese began initial probing attacks of the Deniki position. As the physical positions of the defending Australians were identified, the Japanese directed accurate artillery fire onto their locations. Convincing attacks via frontal infantry assault and artillery offensives continued until the morning of 14 August.

Morning of the 14th of August the Australians withdrew from the Deniki position and fell back towards Isurava. This withdrawal was well timed and soon after the force departed the position the Japanese assaulted in force once again and found Deniki had been abandoned.