DISORDERLY FLIGHT ACROSS THE PIAVE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 237, 25 June 1918, Page 5

DISORDERLY FLIGHT ACROSS THE PIAVE

; ITALIANS I PURSUIT _ __ } . GRAYE NEWS FROM AUSTRIA ■' DANGEROUS OUTBREAK : SIMMERING The Austrian failure to develop the ambitious offonsive on the Italian front has culminated in a disastrous defeat' and disorderly flight across the Piave, with the Italians in pursuit. Details of the onemy's final collapse are not yet to hand, but r eccnt messages have plainly indicated that the enemy in his offensive overshot the mark and laid himself open to disaster. The flooding of the Piave placed him in a dangerous plight, and it but remained for the Italians to exploit the situation, which they havo evidently dons with complete success. The enemy's fosses are stated in various reports to have been ■ devastating, and his reverse is'orowned by the imminence of a terrible outbreak within his own frontiers. Starvation, disease, strikes, general discontent, ar.d war weariness, and, above all, a growing feeling against the German!!' have contributed to a situation which to day has assumed the dimensions of a dangerous crisis. The lull on the Western front continues. ' ITALIAN VICTORY ON THE PIAVE AUSTRIANS IN FULL RETREAT i \ GREAT LOSSES INFLICTED By Telegraph-Press Association-Oopyrleht. , The High Commissioner reports:— 1 -,■•■■ London, 1.10 a.m., June 24. An Italian official report states: "From Montello to the sea the enemy has oesn defeated, and, pursued by our valiant troops, is recrossing the Piavo in disorder." . .''*■ A PELL-MELL RETREAT. (Eec. June 24, 11 p.m.) • _'. ' ..-'"•' " ■ London, June 24. The latest from Rome indicate that the' Austrians have abandoned their effort westward of the Piave. They are Tetreating pell-mell, and nastily constructing bridges across tho river.—AuvN.Z. Cable Asan. SURPRISE ATTACK BY THE BRITISH ' ' (Rec. June 24, 9.20 p.m.) ~ . London, June 23. An Italian official report states: "Our artillery continues to bombard the enemy intensely on the whole front. Infan try . pressure at Montello and on the Piave was continued. The British'in an energetic surprise action broke into theenemas lines southward of Asiago. killed 100 of the enemy, and. took 81 prisoners. Our airmen bombarded the enemy's communications and brought down ten aeroplanes. The enemy has lost (since Juno 15 ninety-fivo aero-planes."—Aus.-Jj.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. •■'-■..• FIRST PHASE OF GREAT BATTLE ENDED ENEMY'S SACRIFICES ENORMOUS.' (Rec. June 24, 9.20 p.m.) London, June 23. An Italian semi-official' Ireport states: "Reciprocal, artillery firing is still • intense along tho Piave, while attacks and counter-attacks to assume tactical advantages are proceeding. The first phase of the' great battle, however,, has terminated. It has been a full defeat for tho Austro-Hungarian armies, which have not succeeded in reaching any of their objectives. On Montello and in front of. San Dona tlio enemy's sacrifices we're enormous, cntiro regiments being destroyed. Tho enemy's losses are at least 180,000, without gaining even the indispensable initial success of some dominating height, assuring tho crossing of the Piave."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Reuter. ' • ENEMY APPEARS TO BE EXHAUSTED • I - '■ ' TOTAL LOSSES OVER 200,000. (Rec. June 24, 7.5 p.m.) Rome, June 23. .The'enemy, appears to be exhausted. : The territory now'occupied by tho Austrians is less than half that gained during tho first few days of the attack. Their.total losses now exceed two hundred thousand—Aug.-N.Z. Cable Assn, ''•■-, ENEMY'S LOSSES "TERRIFIC" ' London, June 23. The "Daily Chronicle's" correspondent at Milan says that Signor Orlando (Premier), in an interview, said: The British commander at tho Asiago Plateau' personally superintended the burial of. over five thousand Austrians in that sector. The enemy losses at'Moiite Grappa and llontella, and especially along tho Piave, were terrific. Nevertheless, tho spirits of tho Austrians are remarkably high. The officers are now marching at the .head of tho troops instead of following in the rear. One haul of 2500 prisoners included 20 officers,"—Aus - N.Z. Cable Aesn. HOW THE ENEMY REPORTS HIS GAINS SEMI-OFFICIAL CONTRADICTION. Rome, June 24. The Außtrians claim that they have taken 40,000 prisoners. This is semi-' officially contradicted. The truth is that this figure represents the wholo Italian casualties, which, when compared with tho length of front, and tho effectives involved, is very small.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. . AUSTRIAN OFFICIAL REPORT CAMPAIGN DIFFICULTIES STRESSED. r (Rec. June 21, 9.20 p.m.) » . , ■ , .- ~ ~ . London, June 23. • i t wlr mL Acsrrian officlal i' e P° rt states: "The fighting on the Piave is less Violent. Tho enemy only resumed his counter-attacks on tho southern wing of our front. Heavy rains multiplied the burdens and privations of our troops. The Piave became a rushing stream, and communications between the banks were often interrupted for several hours. We aro experiencing the greatest difficulties in providing tho front, with the ricccssory supplies of munitions and provi-sions."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. AUSTRIANS BLAME THE OZECHO-SLAVS. Austrian news from Switzerland attributes the defeat of the Austrian offensive to Czecho-Slav treachery. A Viennese news paper declares that traitors supplied the Italians with plans of tho offensive.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FAILURE OF OFFENSIVE ADMITTED IN GERMANY. Washington, June 23 Official dispatches from Europe state that the German newspapers tacitly admit the failure of the Austrian offensive. Thev dcclaro that it was necessary to prevent Italian troops going to France to roinforce the West front — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE ENEMY'S NAVAL LOSSES STATEMENT IN ITALIAN SENATE. (Rec. June 21. 5.5 p.m.) In the Italian Senate, Admiral Dejhono, Minister for Marine, referring to , the recent Italian naval successes, said that the Austrians within ono month i had lost two, possibly threo, battleships,-and besides other smaller vessels had been damaged severely. This blow would bo increased if they added the loss of the battleship Wien in the port of Trieste, and also tho damage and loss in- I flicted on the enemy's lighter surface crraft' and submarines. The number of ! submarines that had been dealt with was remarkable.—Router. I

ALL EYES ON ITALY KEENEST INTEREST IN THE NEWS. < Rec. .Tmin 25, 0.55 p.m.) „ ~ r T , London, June 24. r thcr Mils from the Italian front is awaited with tlio keenest interest Military critics accept, tho accuracy of tile report that complete disaster lius overtaken the Austnans between Montello and the sea, and point out thai i«ne enemy s failure to gain an indispensable initial success in the • mountair sector rendered the crossing of the Piave insecure. Communication across 11k river from the outset was only maintained ivith difficulty. The neus that the retreat has begun gives added significance tri Austria's gloomy communiqw (regarding the difficult condition on the Piave. It is generally believed thai the communique is intended to pavo the way for worse tidings, v uk 0 ?, 9ra 'nu^ sa } s " la ' : lIOWS ro nithe Italian front is "better and ' Alll ® s . } iave evol 'y reason to feel cheered and encouraged by the stubborn defence which successfully foiled Austria's greatest effort and lefl the enemy only a few miles of marshy, low laid and a precarious footing or Montello Rulge in exchange for long casualty lists. The latest information SJiows that General Diaz has passed from defence to attack and is in ;i fail way to convert defeat into disaster. Bonnino Barb (Italian' Foreign Minister) recently suited that General Diaz employed only a small part of his available reserves in holding up tho enemy's attacks. 'it is novr evident that he has been ablo to bring into action some of tho remainder of his reserves nndei most favourable conditions. The Piav ois a mountain river which, when il outers the plains,, opens out to an average width exceeding a mile. Normally it is of little value as a military obstacle in summer, but henvy rain in the mountains completely changes its character. The Italians cut the timber alone the upper courses, and when the river r.-so these-formed battering-rams which nt temporary military bridge was able to wi Histand. If any escaped thev have been n target for the airmen. It was, therefore, impossible lo relievo or reinforce tho Austnans on tho right bunk, w ho "wore only fed and supplied with ammunition with the greatest difficulty, if at all. The Italian counter-attack was delivered just at the Tight moment, an d met with a very real success If th* promise of the latest report matures, as thero is every reason do expect ther there will be a golden opportunity for A Hied propaganda and diplomacy -Aus - N.Z. Cable Assn. - ' STIRRING SPEECH BY ITALIAN PREMIER (Rec. J.une2s, 0.55 a.m.) _ Signor Orlando (the Italian Premier), in a stirring said: The Army has been confronted with tho most formidable task of till whole war. Despite the ■enemy's numerical superiority in attacking almost the tvhole of our seventy-five mile front the Italians have victoriously succeedec m withstanding the onshu ? ht. A fresh battle nky soon reopen, but without boasting or excessive optimism we are entitled to be well satisfied with th< feeble resu ts secured in view of the enemy's ambitious objectives." He coulc say that the Austrian o&ensive thus far had ended, not in failure but it defeat. Ho paid a glowing tribute to the Anglo-French Allies, and' declarec that the nation also owed a debt of gratitude to the heroic defenders of th( Piave.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asn. ■ THE GERMAN CHECK IN THE WEST VON HINDENBURG CRITICISED FOR DELAYS «■ T, , ,T . 1 itr X, • London, June 23, 2.10 a.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports: In the evening we completely ropuleed n stront local attack west of Merris, delivered after a heavy bombardment. "Wo toot a number of prisoners in successful raidß in tho neighbourhood of Morlancourt and at Bucquoy. Thereiwas active hostile artillery action in tho neigh bourhood of Aveluy Wood."—Aus.-N.Z. Gable Assn.-Reutcr. (Rec. Juno 21, 9.20 p.m.) London, June 23, 10.30 p.m. Sir Douglas Haig states that there is nothing to report.—Aus.N.Z, Cable Assn.-Reuter, ON THE FRENCH FRONT ATTACKS AND COUNTER-ATTACKS. London, Juno 23. A French communique states: "Womade several surprise attacks between Montdidier and tho Oise. The Germans attacked Bljgny Hill, halfway betweer tho Marne and Reims, and succeeded momentarily in seizing the summit. The Italians shortly afterwards vigorously 'counter-attacked, and drove the enemy off, and took prisoners. Our line was. completely restored."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablf Assn.-Reutor. THE AMERICANS AT CHATEAU THIERRY j (Rec. June 24, 11.20 p.m.) London, June 23. An American official report states: 'Despite opposition we improved our positions ''(north-west of Chateau Thierry and repulsed a raid in the Vosges."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assa.-Reuter. AMERICA'S FIGHTING STRENGTH IN THE WEST , Washington, Juno 22. Nine hundred thousand United States troops have been despatched to France, of which number 60 per cent. (510,000) aro fighters.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE POLISH LEGION IN FRANCE. Paris, Juno 23. M. Poincaro has presented colours .to the Polish divisiou on the West front, which consists of volunteers largely from America—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. ARMY TRANSPORT FIVE MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. (Rec; Juno 24, 10 p.m.) New York, June 23. Goneral Marsh's weekly statement shows that the last week one hundred thousand American troops were either landed in France, or were on their /way. The total figures of the American troops in Franco or going to France, General Marsh says, shows tlmt tho United States is five months ahead of her schedule for, placing her army in Franco. He said: "All branches of the American Army so far engaged on tho battle front have made good."—Aus.-N.Z, Cablo Assn. ■ GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. ' ./ (Rec. Juno 24, 9.20 p.m.) London, Juno 23. A wireless German official report states: "We took prisoner thirty-six Italians south-west of Reims."—Aus.-N.Z. Gable As3n.-Router. EXASPERATION OVER VON HINDENBURG'S DELAYS DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO REDEEM SITUATION EXPECTED. (Rec. June 24, 8.50 p.m.) . London, June 23. The German public is exasperated at Von Hindenburg's delays, and describes his campaign as a failure. This feeling is accentuated by Austria's fiasco. A desperate attempt to redeem tho situation is expected shortly. It is reported that' Von Ludendorff is resorting to every means to keep up tho fighting strength of his armies. German prisoners from Russia liavo already readied •the West front.—United Service. SHOCK DIVISIONS CUT UP DURING RECENT BATTLES (Rec. June 21, 10 p.m.) New York, June 23. The New York "Times" Washington correspondent states that authoritative cablegrams from France say that the Fifth and Fifty-second Divisions-of German infantry, which are composed of shock troops, lost two-thirds of their men within six weeks in tho Somme and Aisne Battles.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . . THE WAR IN THE AIR SIR DOUGLAS-HAIG'S REPORT. (Rec. June 24, 10.30 p.m.) London, Juno 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "Clouds, rain and wind hindered air activity yesterday. Fifteen tons of explosives wero dropped on various targets, iuclud- ' ing Bruges docks."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Reuter. FOUL PLAY BY THE GERMANS.New York, June 23. The "New York Sun" correspondent on tho French front states that Allied aviators only slightly wounded by bullets in air fights liavo died within 24 hours. Tho circumstances indicaie that the German flyers use poisoned .bullets, and hospital surgeons support the suspicion. British and' French aviators declare that since the German aviators have been losing heavily they liavo adopted foul, tactics.—Aus.-N.Z. tablo Assn. GERMAN AIR CLAIMS REPUDIATED. (Rec. June 24, 10 p.m.) Washington, Juno 23. ~ Advices from Franco say that there i-i no truth in tho German report that in May 413 aeroplanes and 27 Anglo-F/- ;nch captive ballons were brought down, as against 185 German machines :.ud 28 balloons. Tho fact is that tho . French aviators brought down 196 Gerr.-ui. machines, put ICO out of action, and destroyed 35 balloons, in addition to which 38 German machines were destroyed by anti-aircraft ;;unß. The Fri.nch lost 00 machines, 12 were put out of action, and eight balloons were destroyed.—Aus.-N.Z; Cable Assn.