The Second and Third Italian Armies had been conducting a
successful offensive along the Isonzo from below Tolmino to the sea. Above Tolmino, to the east of the river, they held the lofty Monte Nero, but the enemy still held Tolmino and the western bank opposite to it. Here a German force, brought from Russia, was secretly concentrated under Marshal von Mackenson. On Wednesday week, favoured by rain and mist, the Germans suddenly attacked the Italian lines in this sector, held by two brigades of the Second Army. Using their new gas, they met with "feeble resistance," according to General Cadorna, and broke right through the defences. Pushing across the Isonzo, the enemy took Mount Matajuz early on the Thursday, and thus gained access to the Natiaone Valley leading to the plain behind the Italian armies about Gorizia. They had in fact turned General Cadoma's left flank. With the swift decision of a great commander, General Cadoma ordered the immediate evacuation of the bronze positions. Tho Italians fell back in good order, destroying what they could not take away, but saving much of their artillery, including the British guns.
Previous page
