Another Italian Triumph.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 201, 10 August 1916, Page 5

Another Italian Triumph.

The Fall of Gorizia. Capture of Ten Thousand Prisoners. Great Rejoicings in Italy. association—copyright.] [AUSTRALIAN and NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.] (Received io, 9.5 a.m.) London, Aug. 9. The Italians captured Gorizia and took 10,000 prisoners. (Received 10, 11.55 a.m.) Rome, Aug. 9. Ute Italian victory is assuming increasing importance. Cavalry pursues the Austrians, who have abandoned their principal positions on the Isonzo-Carso fronts, and are showing signs of demoralisation. The Austrians cannot hope to extricate themselves from the Trentino, where their situation is becoming increasingly tragic. AUSTRIANS COMPLETELY ROUTED. BERSAGLIERI PURSUE THE ENEMY. [high commissioner’s message.] (Received 10, 1.20 p.m.) London, Aug. 9, 6.25 p.ta. The Italian official report says:—This morning we entered the town of Gorizia. Yesterday, in the Gorizia area, after intense artillery preparation, the infantry completed the occupation of the heights to the west of the town, driving out the last enemy detachments. The trenches and dugouts were found full of enemy corpses. The enemy was completely routed, leaving large quantities of ammunition and material. At nightfall detachments of Italians crossed the Isonzo, consolidating themselves on the left bank. A column of cavalry and Bersaglieri cyclists was promptly launched in pursuit of the enemy beyond the river. Tn the Carso we repulsed several counter-attacks against the summit of Monte Michaele, taking more trenches in the neighbourhood of San Martino village. Altogether about 10,000 prisoners were taken, and more are coming in. SUCCESS EXCEEDS ANTICIPATIONS. Rome, August 9. There were great rejoicings over the success of the Italian offensive. Its beginning had been whispered since Friday, and the results had been eagerly and anxiously awaited. Italy is hoping soon to place her credit successes comparable with those of the Somme, Verdun, Galicia and Egypt. Her success exceeds anticipations. . Towns are beflagged, arid there are processions in the streets, the people believing that the fall of Gorizia, so often declared to be imminent, is at last about to become an accomplished fact, . THE OFFENSIVE CLEVERLY CONCEIVED. SHELLS RAINED FROM MOUNTAIN TOPS. London, Aug. 9. The “Times’ ” Correspondent at Italian headquarters says that General Cadorna’s Isonzo offensive displays a wonderful breadth of conception. The Austrians were completely surprised, the Italians gaining many positions where they had been checked last year. ' The struggle commenced with a fearful bombardment from Monte Santo z (five miles north of Gorizia) to Monfalcone (near the coast), new batteries on the mountain heights raining shells from Sabotina, which is over 2000 feet and dominates Gorizia. The infantry emerged from secretly constructed tunnels and galleries in the mountain side and assaulted with incredible rapidity, carrying the first three lines of trenches in twenty minutes, and the redoubt on the summit in an hour. The pursuit continued down the slopes straight to the Isonzo. Four peaks of San Michaele surrendered unconditionally under Sabotina’s fire. HILL SIDES HONEYCOMBED WITH TUNNELS. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.] y Rome, August 9. The Italians have been busy for months honeycombing the southern side of the mountain with immense caverns in the solid rock, each holding a company of infantry. They recently constructed a secret tunnel 850 feet long reaching to within 90 feet of the Austrian trenches. -./Some 800 Bersaglieri were assembled-in the tunnel ready to lead the attack with strong supports of first line troops. THE AUSTRIAN ADMISSION. ’ London, Aug. g. An Austrian communique states that 2932 > Italians were taken prisoner, at Gorizia bridgehead, but owing to repeated desperate attacks the defenders were withdrawn to the eastern bank of the Isonzo.