ITALIANS’ MAGNIFICENT WORK.

Taihape Daily Times, 11 December 1917, Page 6

ITALIANS’ MAGNIFICENT WORK.

LONDON, December 8,

British correspondents on the Italian front says that the Austrian attack north-east of Asiago is developing with ever-increasing intensity and the pressure of the enemy’s irresistible superiority. The Italians behaved magnificently during twenty-four hours’ continuous attacks'at one spot defended by Alpini and Bersagliere. There w r as not a single survivor. Officers swore they would be killed to a man rather than surrender. and they carried out their resolution. The Italians, outnumbered two to one on a six-mile front, swung back their right wing until they reached the Brento valley. Counter attacks were costly and hopeless, but it was essential, to delay the deployment of enemy reserves. Mr, Jeffries, describing the Italian position says the enemy’s success enabled this artillery easily to pour direct fire down the Brenta Valley, leading to the plains behind the Piave lines. The enemy are using a new noxious shell, inducing incessant vomiting, nausea and weakness.'