Following the abortive attacks on the Pimple, Captain Tatterson's A Company had moved to Lababia Ridge, a thousand metres to the south. Tatterson's company was well under strength with only 65 men being available. It was another 400 metres back to Lababia base camp, which was held by a platoon from D Company. At 0815 on 9 May a booby trap went off in front of Tatterson's positions astride Laws Track on Lababia Ridge. Aware that tree branches often set off the traps, Corporal Charlie Broad-bent rang back to headquarters saying that it was ‘probably another branch. Will let you know.’ It would be three days before Broadbent would again be able to contact headquarters. As further reports came in of movement around the right flank, the company stood to. Firing broke out, and soon all of the forward positions were engaged; supporting artillery fire being brought down in front of the Australian positions. However, this attack was a feint, disguising moves to either flank of the Australian position. The main attack came in on the left.

To better support Tatterson, Major O'Hare sent up a forward observation officer, Lieutenant Roy Caterson, with a party of signallers. However, the signal line soon went dead as the Japanese got in behind the Australian position. Late in the afternoon, a report came in from Sergeant Clarrie Hubble that the reinforcing platoon was under heavy attack and was pulling back, leaving Tatterson cut off.