ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1917, Page 1

ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

ENEMY ATTACK INCREASING. DEFENDKIIS WIPED OUT. I AUSTRALIAN <tt N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] ,its REUTER.] LONDON December 8. l!ritish correspondents on the Italian front say ’ that the Austrian front north-east of Asia go is developing in ever-increasing intensity, and the pressure i)f the enemy is irresistible with numerical superiority. The Italians behaved magnificently during twenty-four hours’ continuous attacks. At one spot defended by tilt* Alpini and Hersaglierie, there was not a single survivor. Tin*’ _ officers swore they would be killed-to a man rather than surrender, and-they carried out. their resolution. TI R . Italians , outnumbered by two to one, on a yix mile front, swung back the right wing until they reached the Brcnta Valley. Counter attacks were costly and hopeless; but it was essential ,t. o delay the deployment of the enemy’s reserves. ENEMY ADVANCE ATTESTED. fAUSTRALIAN * N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION & IIEUTER.] LONDON December 8. Italian official: The battle continues on the Asiago plateau. 1 lie artillery prevented the advance of the enemy s masses, executing the withdrawal on tin' Milctte salient. Machine gun fire drove back the enemy in disorder in Erenzela V alley. I'ho eneinfy a ttiiunpted to break through with large force* southward ■of Gnllio. Our resistance enabled us to link ,nip the line, 'arresting the enemy’s advance at .Monte Sisemol, after repulsing six assaults. NEW GERMAN DEVILRY. LONDON December 8. Mr. Jeffries describing the Italian position, says the enemy’s success enables him to bring up guns and pour a direct fire down the Brenta Valley, leading to the plains behind the Piave lines. The enemy is using a new noxious shell inducing incessant vomiting, nttusea and sickness. .