Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-11-27
BRITISH AND FRENCH
FORCES IN HEARING
Of ITALIAN BATTLE
Infantry Artillery and Supply
Trains of Allies Seen by Cor
respondent Directly Behind
the Lines in North

ITALIAN ARMY HEADQUARTERS IN
NORTHERN ITALY. Sunday. Nov. Is
by the Associated Press )-Eolid ranks
OF Franco-British infantry with artillery
and supply trains were seen by the cor
respondent today within sound OF the
battle on the Italian northern line They
had been on an eight-day march.
The correspondent was on a tour of
the northern hghting front. where the
great battle IS continuing. Major-Gen-
eral de Giorgio was found commanding
the extreme left of the fourth army at
the point where the fighting was heavi-
est
Throughout yesterday and today the
battle in the mountains has developed
in a steady succession of heavy attacks
and counter attacks. with occasional
brief intervals for reforming the lines
and recognizing new positions.
Twelve different enemy assaults have
been made within a few hours but the
Italian lines had not yielded a foot and
General de GiOrgiO was calm and con-
ndent that Tie defensive line would
hold until achievements arrived.
Stan officers from headquarters were
taking the trip along the line and the
route lay straight north into the fight
ing zone Soon there were evidences OF
4 bitter struggle Just ahead. for along
The route long lines OF Italian infantry.
dscimated in the last few days. were
reforming to return to the fight They
showed effects of the fearful strain.
but there was no trace Of wavering.
Allies Stir Enthusiasm
in another zone a sight which stirred
lie blood was when solid ranks of al
ed achievements crowded the roads
Already they were well within sound
a. Che rumble OF the guns and the boom
from the battle of in the distance
could be heard above the gallop Of the
cavalry. the tramp of the infantry and
ne clamor of the batteries and supply
rains
Il was 3 dark DAY. with a gray sky,
rIt the whole scene seemed to tighten up
as the color OF the Italian gray was
t--.cd everywhere with British khaki
and French blue. They had been on
nc march eight DAYS. making more than
Ifteen miles day.
The French reinforcements were first
seen IN force. They were splendid look
ing young men. one Of their officers
with whom the correspondent talked.
said they had Just arrived after a hard
forged march. with other following.
Endless French Lines
SoOa the others came in view and Cor
40 miles the party passed through end
lesS lines Of French There were squad
IONS OF cavalry in the road and in the
..earJy. Eelds. and long lines OF new ar
.si.C-y trains a1d supplies. Field kit
lHels had been Sc; up enc point and a
midday meal was being served The
men looked in the best of condition and
id TO; saoE- trace OF fatigue.
Just beyond here the color turned
EroEl hue to khaki as long lines of
tic British came into sight In the
cad were cyclists. and then came engi-
Hcer trains Following were long ranks
1f infantry cavalry and artillery. At
one point headquarters had been tempo
rarlIy established along the road and
guards were Al the gate as the officers
went and came.
Farther Of q British general and mis-
staff. all finely mounted were canter-
suE forward
The artillery horses were especially
marked for their sleek. well-fed condi-
ton and the observers noted how all
Ne brass work on the guns and equip
rrent gIiuted with the thorough care IL
rad had. One engineer corps was rum
bling TO the rear with huge pOntoons on
CamiCus. - Il had been found there
were not needed. but all the rest of the
force was moving forward.
The men looked hard a. nails Both
cheers and men were eager TO hear
how the night was going and were anx-
.ous 10 get forward
talks with these men along the road
gave an idea OF what they had been
doing They had been marching stead
Is FOR several days. The start was
= made every day at ) a IN. with an early
breakfast and with rstions subsequent
" served at II a m and o'clock in the
afternoon Along the route their head
quarters were in village schools, houses,
barns and public buildings The men
ssrried loads OF about seventy-five
pounds. including rifles, blankets. kits
and the days rations. This looked like
"A heavy load but the men did not mind
Il. although they said the long marches
mad been hard on the feet The regi-
mental bands were in line and Italy
may hear music again IL things go
rizht All the Italian bands have dis
appeared in the fierce carnage of re-
cent days and the baudsmen are chsrg-
ing with bayouets-
The whole appearance OF the British
and French gave a feeling OF great pow
er because Of the perfect organization
and ardor OF all ranks. accumulated by
the tire lines with which they are ar
~ no hat