ITALIAN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 6 November 1917, Page 5

ITALIAN FRONT.

HOW THE DISASTER OCCURRED.. LONDON, November 5. Mr. Ward Price writes: The great Austro-German attack on the Italian front began at 2 o’clock in the morning of October 24th from the bridgehead of Santa Lucia towards Plezzo. A violent bombardment ' Tor two hours with special gas shells obliged the Italians to take cover. Fog and rain helped the enemy to advance , secretly. When the bombardment stop, ped at 4 o’clock the Italians believed it was a lull, as it seemed inadequate . preparation for a big attack. The

J Italians were not on guard when suddenly they saw the enemy storming forward. Next day it was discovered that German divisions were, concentrated between Plezzo and Gorizia. j Some Italian battalions left their posts j and fled without arms or equipment, ♦ though others were fighting gallantly | at Monte Nero and elsewhere, but the r undermined"section of the Italian wall of defence had given way, and the rest was vain. The enemy were through Once across the Isonzo the AustroGermans began to pour down the val- } ley towards Cividale and Udine. THE GERMAN ADVANCE WASHINGTON, Nov. 4. An official despatch states that the Italians are holding the Teutons every where. The French High Commission points out that the 'Anglo-French attacks are compelling Germany to transport more troops to the West front, and will probably restrict the aid which she is able to extend to Austria, on the Italian front until the situation is relieved.

STORY OF THE RETREAT. LONDON, November 5. Mr. Ward Price, continuing his spatch says: On Saturday morning it was clear that Udine was doomed, and that an immense sacrifice of territory must be made in order to save the Third Army. 'As I crossed the Isonzo I found Italian engineers ready -<,O blow up the bridge. Roads were blocked with carts, motor lorries, and pack animals. Though fortunately the road was not' shelled at night, scenes during the retreat resembled Gustav Bore's ’Conception of the “Day of Judgment." Houses, sheds,, depots, and stores of every kind craked into flames. The sky was ablaze with reflected glare. The town of Galmanava was accidentally burnt by flames from burning dumps.' In thb thirty-one hours my train covered' fifteen miles so I got up and walked. On either side of the train plodded an endless stream of soldiers, fleeing townspeople, and peasantry. ! The retreat continued for four days Many died, but hundreds of thousands got behind the Tagliamento somehow; and torrential rains prevented the Austm-Germans from closely pursuing • v •' • ROME, November '5. The "Romana” states that the Tagr liamento battle is likely to continue violently for some time on the Italian left. “

THE GERMAN ADVANCE, TAGLIAMENTO RIVEE CROSSED. Received 8.55. ROME, November 5. The Germans have crossed the Tagliamento. CADORNA OUT-GENERALLED, AN ERROR IN STRATEGY. Received 10.25. NEW YORK, Nov 5. The New York Times’ military correspondent states that lack of shells is an invalid excuse for disaster to Cadorna’s armies. The real explanation is that Vt&ty concentrated forces at Tolmino to the gulf on the Panzano line instead of on the Isonzo Cadorna was out-generalled.

GERMANS INCREASE POWER ON ITAET’S LEFT WING. Received 10.25. LONDON, Nov 5. An Italian official states the enemy has reached the right bank of the Tagliamento, northward of Panzano, intensifying the pressure against our left wing, - - MESOPOTAMIA, TURKISH FORCE DRIVEN BACK. LONDON, Nov 4. Mesopotamian official.—A reconnoitring column engaged Turks on the right bank of the Tigris, opposiTe Dur The enemy withdrew towards Tekrit under cover of a strong rearguard., We drove out the latter from successive lines of trenches and occupied the whole position. Our cavalry harassed the retreating enemy.