THE ITALIAN FRONT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3331, 16 January 1918, Page 15

THE ITALIAN FRONT.

Italian official messages state: British and French batteries repeatedly shell the positions and tho rear areas between Vidor, Fontedella, and Griula with excellent results. British patrols forced the Piave at some points. Westward of Cavazuccherina our trench mortars forced tho enemy _ to evacuate some trenches. We machinegunned the retreating enemy, causing heavy losses. Tho artillery is active on the Asi ago Plateau eastward of Piave-Vecchia. Tho British batteries made many direct hits on hostile emplacements on the left bank of the Piave. Official advices from Rome etato that a rejuvenated and respirited Italian offensive advanced a short distance. The Austro-German newspapers arc recriminating regarding the incomplete success of tho offensive against Italy. The Austrians blame the Germans for delaying assistance in order to carry on their offensive at Riga, while the Germans blame the Austrians for permitting the Italians to carry on tho offensive at Bainsizza, which delayed the Austro-German offensive for two months and criticise the -Austrian High Command for leaving Czechs at Bainsizza and not realising that they intended to seize the first opportunity to surrender.

BRITISH TROOPS IN ITALY

Mr Ward Price interviewed . General Diaz, who said the British at tho Nontello sector were holding the post of honour on the Piave* The British had made a magnificent impression. They were troops worthy of Great General Diaz added: The holding of the Piave line since tho great withdrawal was ono of tho defensive successes of the war. The Italians have determinedly stood tho supreme war test —namely, that of retreat. Mr Ward Price describes tho thoroughness of the British for their raid across the Piave resulting in the demolition of a machine gun post and tho capture of its garrison. The raiders rubbed themselves for a week previously with camphorated oil, crosed tho ice-cold water waist-deep aided by a rope, and marched some miles afterwards to restore warmth.