ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1917, Page 2

ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

HEAVY ENEMY LOSSES.

TWO GERMAN REGIMENTS

FIGHT AGAINST EACH

OTHERS.

ROME, Nov. 26th.

Fighting continues in terrible weather, the thermometer being 10 degrees below zero.

The severity of the enemy losses is confirmed.

The Twenty-first Schnetzen Regiment and the Thirty-first Lansturifiers were practically annihilated. Six entire enemy divisions between the Brenta and Piave rivers had to be withdrawn and reformed. At one point two German regiments engaged in a terrible struggle against each other before the mistake was discovered.

ITALIAN OPERATIONS.

HOLDING THE ENEMY

(Received this day at 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 27

Italian official.—Enemy masses reattacked between Brenta and Piave on the left Wing. An attack on Mont Pertdca was promptly crushed out. A counter-attack repelled every fresh onemy attempt. Our Alpine annihilated assailants at Tusson. The enemy’s pressure was strongest at the centre, but was definitely repulsed. We prisonered two hundred.

We repulsed an enemy attack on our right, from Mont Fenera

SNOW HAS COME.

TO RELIEF OF ITALIANS. (Received this day at 1.20 a.m.,) LONDON November 26. Mr. Ward Price reports that snow has come at last, and the mountains are covered with a whirling blizzard of snowflakes, which will soon be deep drifts, making the further movement of German artillery most difficult. Thus the next few week s will be a period of re-organisation for both sides enabling Italian resistance to be strengthened. BY THE CAMP FIRES. TOMMY POPULAR IN ITALY. (Received this day at 1.20 a.m.,) LONDON November 26. The ‘British marching columns are upon good terms of growing friendship with the Italian population. Their camp fire concerts are the delight of the Italians. ITALIAN ARRESTS. ON espionage CHARGE. Received,. tS5s day at 8.45 a.m. ROME November 27. ‘There is excitement over the arrest of ex-Deputy Cavalani and also the self-styled Marchesa Ricca, who are charged with espionage. Documents of serious nature were seized at Ricca’s residence, including many from Caillanx and hi s wife who were intimate with prisoners. BRITISH IN ITALY. A GALL-ANT SPECTACLE. A FULLY EQUIPPED ARMY. , Received, this day at 8.45 a.m.) ROMJE November 27. Reuter’s correspondent at Italian Headquarters on the 26th, describes the magnificent spectacle of the British troops marching through Italy comprising cavalry, artillery and infantry, extending over the roads and miles, with all other branches of the army following. The infantry were marching •Steadily for days, sixteen miles per day. They are equipped with a great number of guns and are accompanied by endless lines of lorries, carts pontons and other accessories of a complete army.

The British forces are eager to get into fihe fight. The Austro-Germans may soon be unpleasantly surprised.

ON ITALY’S FRONT. THE POSrrioiTIIESGBBIED. Received, this day at 8.45 a.m. LONDON November 27. Describing Italian position Reuter’s correspondent says the enemy are vigorously pressing at three points. The first is at Tomba mountains and Monte Fenera the latter being a spur. Tomba crest has fallen but an heroic defence has rendered the situation stationary behind Tomba’, and Monte Fenera. Supplementary defences are preparing which will minimise the loss, if Tomba and Monte Fenera fall, although a considerable advance here might force the Piave . The second point of attack is Sammartus on the Brenta.

The third point is Asiago plateau, especially Mount! Meleta where the enemy has maintained a steady pressure among the snows for a fortnight. Thanks to the grim determination of the Italian infantry, the enemy’s attempts have been defeated.