The Japanese attack did not eventuate and from mid-1944 the force was progressively drawn down and its assigned units redeployed to Australia or elsewhere in the Pacific.

In mid-1942, Merauke, on the south coast of Dutch New Guinea was one of only a few parts of the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) that had not been occupied by Japanese forces, as the terrain had precluded further exploitation.

[5] The Australian force at Merauke was gradually expanded to a full brigade during the first half of 1943, after which Brigadier John Stevenson assumed command.

A Company, 26th Infantry Battalion was added to the force between 29 May and 2 August when it was flown into the inland town of Tanahmerah.

[11] In April 1944, the Allies began to plan an offensive along New Guinea's south coast using elements of Merauke Force.

120 (Netherlands East Indies) Squadron RAAF, a joint Australian-Dutch unit that was equipped with Kittyhawk fighters, began arriving at Merauke in early May 1944 from Canberra where it had been formed in December 1943.

[13] The planned offensive along New Guinea's south coast did not eventuate and it was decided to reduce the force at Merauke in mid-1944.

120 Squadron moved to Darwin in April 1945, before proceeding to Jacquinot Bay and then Biak as part of its redeployment to undertake further combat operations.

[13] Meanwhile, the 20th Motor Regiment returned to Australia on 4 July 1945 when the command of the Merauke region was handed over to the Dutch authorities.