ITALIAN CAMPAIGN

Southland Times, Issue 17506, 21 August 1915, Page 6

ITALIAN CAMPAIGN

AUSTRIAN OFFICIAL REPORT TEE TOLMXNO BRIDGEHEAD AIISTFROAJI, August 20. llceeived Aug, 20, 11..25 p.m. An Austrian communique states;—lVe repulsed six attacks at the Tolmino bridgehead, which is still firmly held. THE ITALIANS’ ENTHUSIASM. DASH AND ENERGY OF THE TROOPS AUSTRIANS SPARING OP AMMUNITION SOUTHERN ARMY THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION 1 tOAT August 19. Officers relate that the enthusiasm of ihe Italians is unbounded. They go into -battle as though they wore going to a fete. Fighting with the bayonet is their greatest delight. One killed 20 Austrians, and was compelled to change his bayonet five lime during a single attack. Tim deficiency of Austrian ammunition is apparent, they are sparing in artillery bombardments. The Italian fire is a tempest of iron and lire, blowing up rocks, trenches and fortifications. X i

Tbo Austrian trendies on the Carso Plateau and on the Isonzo are so constructed as to prevent either escape or .surrender, resulting in entire units being burled in the ruins. This inhumane and foolish defence lias resulted in colossal losses, the continuance of which will shortly involve flic complete destruction of tile Southern Austrian Army.