THE ITALIAN FRONT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17097, 31 August 1917, Page 5

THE ITALIAN FRONT

NEW OFFENSIVE MOVEMENT. ' ■ i DESPERATE RESISTANCE. Admiralty, per Wirelesa Presa. LONDON, August 29. An Italian official message says: Having overcome the enemy rearguards on the Bainsizza Plateau, we are attacking a powerful line, which the enemy are defending desperately. We progressed in the heights eastward of Gorizia. No fewer than 246 aeroplanes participated in the battle. MONITORS' VALUABLE AID. IMPORTANT RAILWAY WRECKED. ENEMY POSITIONS SHELLED. Reuter"s Telegrams. ROME, August 29. Correspondents emphasise the AngloItalian monitors' dominance in the Gulf of Trieste. They wrecked the railway to Nabrisina and Comens, which is indispensable to the enemy for the transport of reinforcements and supplies. The monitors are now shelling the rear of Hermada Hill. . . AUSTRIA WANTS HELP. GERMANY UNABLE TO RESPOND. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. , BERNE, August 29. Germany, replying to an Austrian appeal for reinforcements, declared that she is unable to render assistance. Germany also refused to send the Austrians some aeroplanes, despite Italy's marked superiority in the air. ANOTHER ITALIAN SUCCESS. , AUSTRIANS RETIRING. COPENHAGEN, August 29 (Received Aug. 30, at 7.45 p.m.) The Cologne Gazette -states that the Italians have taken portion of Monte San Gabnelle, the Austrians evacuating the mountain. AN AUSTRIAN REPORT. VICTORY CLAIMED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. . LONDON, August 30. (Received Aug. 30, at 9.45 p.m.) A wireless Austrian official message says: A superior enemy forced us to evacuate the heights near Horeja. The Austro-Germans captured positions on the Dalzck, taking 1000 prisoners. A ten days' battle took place on the Bainsizza Plateau, but our unbroken resistance proved us to be the victors, despite the Italians' superiority. BAINSIZZA PLATEAU CAPTURED. STRUGGLE STILL IN PROGRESS. FUTILE AUSTRIAN PREPARATIONS. The Times. ROME, August 30. (Received Aug. 31, at 1.5' a.m.) ihe who.e of the Bainsizza Plateau is now in Italian hands.

The battle on the uplands beyond continues m their favour, and southward tiie occupation of Kobilek and Madoni gives them possession of the southern outlet to the Chiapovano Valley. The battle movement began 'with the Italian northward advance turning out the Anstrians from their trenches and caverns more effectively than by smashing blows with heavy guns. , General Cadorna attacked along the whole line. The preliminary fighting was an to find a weak spot, which was found in the north and south of the Avachex Valley. The Austrians gave way before the impetus of the Bersaglieri, reinforced by two battalions of Alpini. Fresh troops poured through the breach. The Austrians expected the main attack on the Carso Plateau. . The Italian third .army was engaged here, smashing an Austrian division and taking prisoner 4500 men. Other divisions lost heavily Despite preparations on the Carso front the Austrians were unable to prevent the Italian thrust where it was driven home— towards and beyond Selo.