By November 1944, however, all 8-inch guns and 240 mm howitzers had been withdrawn from Italy and sent to the European Theater. The 240 mm howitzer saw extensive service in Europe, reducing reinforced targets requiring super-heavy artillery. Fifteen 240 mm howitzer battalions served in the European Theater; the 265th, 266th, 267th, 269th, 270th, 272nd, 277th, 278th, 538th, 539th, 551st, 552nd, 553rd, 697th, and 698th. Five served in the Pacific; the 543rd, 544th, 545th, 778th, and 779th.