ITALIAN FRONT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume L, Issue 175, 3 November 1917, Page 5

ITALIAN FRONT

GREAT BATTLE iMPfcHDtNC MAY DECIDE WHOLE WAR. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) (xvec. Nov. 3, 11.10 a.m.) HOME, Nov. 2. The Austro-Germans are risking everything upon completing the Italian rout before the Allies arrive. A great "battle is impending upon the plains, perhaps deciding the whole war. ON THE TA6LUMENTO RECIPROCAL ARTILLERY FIRE. [Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Router.) (Rec. Nov. 3, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 2. An Italian official message says: There was reciprocal artillerying on the Tagliamento. Machine gun fire repulsed enemy patrols which advanced to the river bank. 30,000 GERMANS KILLED ANGLO-FRENCH REINFORCEMENTS. ARRIVE ON THE TAGLIAMENTO. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) (Rec. Noc. 3, 10.50 a.m.) NEW YORK, Nov. 2. " Cables from Rome state that 30,000 Germans, including two divisional generals, were killed on Bainsizza Plateau. Anglo-French reinforcements have arrived at; Tagliamento. ITALIAfTTHiRb ARMY TRIBUTE TO COURAGE AND TENACITY. ALPINI FIGHT TILL EXHAUSTED. BREAD DROPPED FROM AEROPLANES. (Australian and N..Z. Cable Association) (Rec. Nov. 3, 10.50 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 2. War correspondents pay a tribute to the courage and tenacity of the Italian Third Army during the retreat. The rearguard performed prodigies oi valour despite persistent enemy shelling and covered the withdrawal of guns by repeatedly charging the advancing Austria's and five times driving them back 'into'Vallone. _ ' . When the Austrians were likely to occupy positions commanding the Isonzo bridges . the • troops on the Carso bravely resisted while the artillery by superhuman effort man-handled the guns over the Isonzo. The Bersagliers and Alpini specially distinguished themselves. The Alpini at Monte Nero appear to have fought until exhausted and were still resisting on Saturday, three days after the Germans burst through, and were living on one day's rations. Aviators last saw them bravely holding the positions and dropped bread upon their lines. •- A wounded officer who managed to escape from Monte Nero states that the appearance of the Germans in their rear was an almost overwhelming surprise. It transpires that the Germans cleverly deluded the Italians by leaving themselves a clear passage in one small sector while they rained shells on the remainder of the • front. The bombardment was so terrific that the Italians were utterly, helpless while it lasted and. could only shelter iti caverns and dugouts. Gas shells were particularly effective. When the tornado ceased the mischief had already been done because during the drumfire and amid the thick clouds of smoke and gas the Italians were unable to observe the small sector left junshelled. The Germans meanwhile broke through this and when the Italians prepared to meet the oncoming~foe they found themselves cut off in the Tear. PALESTINE BRITISH NORTH OF BEERSHEBA. ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL RAID. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) ; (Rec. Nov. 3, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 2. An Egyptian official message states : j —We hold the position northward of We successfully raided another portion of the front, killing a large number of Turks. •CAPTURES AT BEERSHEBA. 1800 PRISONERS AND 9 GUNS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) (Rec. Nov. 3, 9.20 a.m.) (Official.) LONDON, Nov. 2. Eignteen hundred' prisoners and nine guns were captured *it Beersheba. The British losses were slight compared with the results.