THE ITALIAN COMMANDERS

Evening Star, Issue 16628, 10 January 1918, Page 8

THE ITALIAN COMMANDERS

Italian generals are little known outside of the Italian army, for no publicity is given to them. The name of General Diaz is, therefore, new even to many Italians. He was born in Naples, and has commanded the Sardinian brigades (luring the war,in the zone of Gorizia. General Badoglio, who is the youngest general in the Italian army, has commanded Bersaglieri brigades with great success. He was a lieutenant-colonel on the staff at the beginning of the war, and was, largely concerned in the taking of Mabatino, by which the Gorizia victory was achieved. He held a command in the Second Army, and his action in command of Bersaglieri troops was the brightest spot in the history of that army after the breaking of the front. After the first success of the Austro-Germans he retook the key-hill of , Globenok with great bravery, but when the general withdrawal set in he and his Bersaglieri had to retire. General Giardino was Italian Minister of War till the last Government change. Ho is the ‘most striking figure among generals who have passed through politics, a man of harsh character and very strong will. He has a big reputation as an organiser, and the smoothness with which under great difficulties the new Italian .armies have been produced and the supplies steadily developed lies chiefly to his credit.