ITALIAN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 28 August 1917, Page 5

ITALIAN FRONT.

MONTE SANTO CAPTURED. ROME, August 20, An Italian official report summarises the action northward of Gorizia from Army threw fourteen bridges across the Isonzo, and crossed to attack the Bainsizza Plateau, directing themselves towards the Jelonta front. They broke three Ines, eventually capturng Monte Santo, and are now advancing against the eastern border of the Bainsizza plateau, rpusuing the enemy. The captures totals six hundred officers, twenty-three thousand men, 75 guns, and much booty . CAPTURE OF MONTE SANTO. - A GREAT VICTORY. A PICTURESQUE FLAG CEREMONY. \ _____ Received 8.30. ROME ? August 28. The capture of Monte Santo is hailed as a great victory, the Austrians defending the position with the greatest tenacity. The Italians assaulted in three columns —first from Vodico, the second, a frontal attack from Isonzo, tffie third from Doll. The Italian flag was cut in three pieces, and- the leader of each column given a third. When the victorious columns met on the summit these three pieces were rejoined and hoisted over the convent top.

The Austrians were continually putting in shock troops, to assist counter attacks, rushing troops from all fronts. SENSATIONAL VICTORY PEE--DICTED. LONDON, August 27. War correspondents state that a victory on a sensational scale is imminent. The capture of Monte Santo has terminated the Austrian bombardment of Gorizia, which had lasted for a year. SEA MONSTER’S GREAT .WORK.. WAHINGTON, Aug. 27. An official despatch from Rome describes the battlit? wherein British monitors and Italian naval forces, aircraft and land forces are jointly attacking Hermada. The Italians are using a secret naval device, described as only very huge boat mounted with guns of the largest calibre yet known in use, New type .sheUs are now being dropped into the city of Trieste. Austrian warships raised steam, but feared to come out to face the new monster. AUSTRIANS ADMIT RETREAT. •C, LONDON, August 27. Wireless Austrian official. —We took up a new lino at Bainsizza. Wo shelled the enemy, who had occupied our evacuated pn several sectors. British and French aviators are everywhere superior. Since the 18th inst., we have downed twelve aeroplanes.