FURTHER NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3557, 18 September 1916, Page 6

FURTHER NEWS.

GALLANT INFANTRY FEAT

ROME, September 16. The Italian succeess on Friday was achieved in the worst weather conditions. The artillery heavily shelled the enemy lines from east of Gorizia to the sea, despite a thick mist, which 'rendered observation difficult. Toward mid-day the mist 'thinned, and the enemy's lines became visible, and the bombardment was intensified. It was still impossible to use aircraft to observe the effect, and infantry were accordingly sent forward for that purpose. They discovered several new lines of entanglements in hedges and undergrowth, and further bombardment was necessary. The main attack was made at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Explosive tubes enlarged gaps in the entanglements. Torrential rain inundated the ground, but the infantry rushed the oneiny lines east of Vallone, and ascended the slopes, the crests of which the Austrinns strongly defended, this constituting their chief line of defence. The Italians, however, broke through at several points, - and took prisoner 2200 in this operation alone. The infantry continued the attack east of Vallone, and the left wing captured the San Crado height from a strong garrison. Further south large entrenchments were taken near Loquizza and east of Oppacchinsella we made prisoner 1100 men.