Eighth Army landed in Calabria in Operation Baytown on 3 September, and advanced up the 'toe' of Italy against light opposition. 78th Division began arriving on 22 September, and was ordered to advance towards Foggia where there was an important airfield complex. Possession of these and other airfields later allowed the Allies to develop complete air superiority over Italy. Beyond Foggia two of 78th Division's brigades made an amphibious landing with a Commando force on 3 October to seize Termoli in Operation Devon. All the division's guns and supporting armour remained south of the River Biferno until the Sappers could construct fords and bridges. The link-up with the hard-pressed amphibious force was achieved on 6 October. 78th Division next forced a bridgehead over the River Trigno on 27 October, but the follow-up operation to capture Vasto was delayed by bad weather. By 9 November the division had reached the River Sangro, and despite the flooding achieved bridgeheads by 22 November. Bridging sites normally required AA defence, but bad weather halted air operations on both sides. The crossings were finally achieved, and on 1 December 78th Division broke into the Bernhardt Line defences beyond. The division was then rested.