sentences:  In early September 1943, the brigade took part in operations to capture Lae.The brigade was in reserve for the initial amphibious assault, except for the 2/23rd Battalion which landed after the first wave from the 20th Brigade; the remainder of the 26th arrived as follow-on elements and then joined the advance along the coast towards Lae.The advance was slow, hampered by numerous river crossings and by 15 September Lae fell to the 7th Division, which had advanced from Nadzab.