BATTERING THEIR WAY TO TOLMINO

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2850, 15 August 1916, Page 5

BATTERING THEIR WAY TO TOLMINO

ITALIANS PRESSING THE ENEMY i AUSTRIAN RESISTANCE BROKEN Australian-New Zealand Oible Association. • . London, August 13. An Italian communique states"O'urlroops on the Lower Isonsra carried two positions in tho Monfalcono seofor, after two days' severe fighting. Further northward we crossed tho Vallono and pushed forward 1000 yards eastward of Oppaccliiasella. Tho infantry carried a strongly-defended hill on the northern edge of the Carso. Tho enemy's aircraft dropped many bombs at Grado Campalto. ,Wo have, raptured since August 6 nearly 16,000 men." THE ATTACK ON TOLMINO REPORTED CAPTURE OF THE SUBURBS. Rome, Augußt 13. Tho battle on tho Isonzo continues violently. Toliuino and Plozzo have boen subjected to a. hail of shells for tho past four days. The Italians are pursuing the Austrians ceaselessly eastward at Oppaccliiasella. Innumerable guns are bombarding Mounts Santo San Gabrielle and San Marco. A fierco battle is raging in the Tho Italians are steadily, advancing. The Austrians have commenced to evacuate Tolmino, whose fall is 'Imminent. It is reported that tho Italians have captured the outer suburb's of Tolmino. ITALIANS ATTACKING NEW AUSTRIAN DEFENCES. (Rec. August 14, 9.40 p.m.) Rome, 'August 14. The Italians aro attacking the recoritly-constnicted Austrian defences, six miles Behind the enemy's former lino. _It is reported that a fire, raging in the 'femora. Forest,' travorsed tho Austrian tranches. AUSTRIAN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. (Rcc. August 14, 7.10 p.m.) • Amsterdam, August 1-1. • An Austrian official communiquo states: —"Tho Italians have advanced strong forces on our new front. Botween tne sea and Monte Sanga Bridle, oast of Vallona, we repulsed violent attacks. . Since the Italian offensive began we have taken prisoner five thousand of the enemy." ROYAL EXCHANGE OF FELICITATIONS. / .' London, August 13. King George congratulated King Emmanuel, his. message stating that the capture of Gorizia will havo a far-reaching effect in further strengthening the Allies' confidence in certain victory. King Kmraamiol replied: "The fall of Gorizia is fresh proof_ that the ' army and people are united to prosecute the war to a. glorious victory." LORD NORTHCLIFFE'S IMPRESSIONS OF GORIZIA, ("Tlie Times.") (Rcc. August 14, 7.10 p.m.) London, August 14. Lord Northcliffo, writing from Gorizia, emphasises the difficulties before the Italians. Ho says that tho Italian reserves aro plentiful, but the strength of tho Austrian defensivo organisation is unmistakable. Pneumatic drills and dynamite are needed to make an impression on the rocky soil of tlie Carso. The Austrian front line is blasted out of tho rock. Snipers and look-outs have posts armoured with iron plates cementcd into the rocks. Water is pumped up from bolow the plateau, and the supply of food and munitions is abundant. . The prisoners are raw and lusty men, and their officers are good imitations of the square-headed, heel-clicking - Prussians. General Cadorna, ascertaining from. prisoners that news of the Allied successes, was withheld from the Austrian armies, spread by medium of aeropla.nc3 millions of news sheets in various languages. Lord Northcliffo comments on the lamentablo absenco of publicity given in Italy to the magnificent organisation and deeds of tho armies of Britain and tho Dominions. Ho adds that terrific heat is being experienced, and that it is so intense that it mummifies the bodies of the fallen. Russian prisoners wore found hanged, and Italian wounded wcro mutilated. He had seen terribly spiked maces which were habitually used by the Austrians to break the skulls of tlie wounded. Letters and other I'elie's in tho dug-outs showed that ladies from Budapest were frequent visitors to the front. ' , Lord Northcliffo says that tlie absenco of Austrian aerial observation is proof of the enemy's disorganisation. Ho had not seen an Austrian aeroplane or balloon. Consequently tlie AustrianS aro firing blindly, whilst the Italian lieavy batteries search position after position, their shells bursting with marvellous accuracy miles ahead. The Austrians aro inspired by fierce hatred, and their brutal conduct might well engender tho fury of the Italian comrades of mutilated victims, but the Italian soldatini have most generous natures. "You are a filthy dog," said one, to a thirsty prisoner. "Here, have a pull at my water-bottle." '