The main race was towards Split, the Italian HQ, with the aim to disarm the Italians before the German troops reclaimed the region. On 11 September 1943, Deakin, together with an American Capt M Benson left for Bugojno, to join Gen Koča Popović and the 1st Proleterian Brigade on their way to Split.
The main objective was to reach Split, the Italian headquarters, with the goal of disarming the Italians before German troops regained control of the region. On September 11, 1943, Deakin and an American Captain M Benson traveled from Bugojno to join General Koča Popović and the 1st Proleterian Brigade on their journey to Split.