The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-12-05
Resumption of Heavy Of
fensive by Austro-Ger-
mans Is Expected
ARTILLERY SHOWS
GREAT ACTIVITY
British and French Rein
forcements Include Amer
lean Aviators

Italian Army Headquarters In
Northern Italy. Tuesday. Dec. a.
Great forces Of men and guns have
been massed by the Austrians and
Germans in the Asiago section, ac-
cording to reports reaching here to-
day and resumption OF the offensive
is expected. The reports indicate
that the enemy is employing ten
divisions Of troops.
An exceptionally heavy artillery
bombardment from the enemy posi-
tions around Asiago last night and
through the early hours today ap-
pears TO foreshadow the long expect
ed resumption of the heavy enemy
offensive from the north. The can
nonade was Of extreme violence, the
enemy using heavy as we'll as middle
caIibre guns.
The frst violent eruption began
early last night. There was a lull
toward midnight and then IL was re-
sumed with added intensity at 3
o'clock this morning. lasting until 3
o'clock. Heavy shells were rained
on the whole range Of Italian posi-
tions and were concentrated partt-
cularIy on the locations supposed TO
shield Italian batteries. The violence
OF the artillery action left little doubt
that II was a prelude to infantry ad-
vances in force whereby Field
Marshal Conrad won Hoetzendorf,
who is directing the Austrian forces
in this sector, hopes to realize his
project Of pressing down the Astico
valley leading to Vingenza and the
open plain.
The latest reports show that the
intense bombardment continues. The
indications are that this is some
thing more than a demonstration or
feint and signals a new and strong
offensive.
With the French in Italy, Tuesday,
Dec. 4.--Among' the troops and units
that have arrived IN Italy with the
British and French armies is a large
group Of aviators. who are impatient
ly waiting to get into action. The
British have sent a large contingent
OF flyers, half of whom are young
Canadians. and Americans who have
been doing scout work in Flanders
and northern France.
The squadron, which expects to be
given work at the front soon. Is
proving an attraction for the Ital-
ians. While awaiting orders the fly
ers are keeping themselves in trim
and the natives In fascinated de-
light, by practicing over the town
where they are billeted.
The British aviatorB apparently
are much. younger than their French
whose numerous dscora-
tions attest their ; long experience.
Both groups, however, are composed
of picked men who have had careful
training In fghtinR the Germans in
the air. The British squadron has
many young men who won commits
sions by brave conduct on the front
ins France and who were transferred
10 the aerial service from the in
fantry, cavalry and other arms.
The fiiers are curious 10 know
what the future holds in store for
them since few Of them have ever
flown over mountaInous country as
they. will have % do here. They ad-
NIT IL viii be a test 70 put them on
their mettie, since emergency land
ings. generally feasible in France,
are almost out Of the question here.
They anticipate. however. that they
win not have 70 face superior num-
bers on enemy aviators, as IL Is not
believed the AuBtro- Germans viii be
able TO maintain a numerical ad-
vantage here.
The Canadians and Americans
nightly entertain their comrades and
crowds OF curious Italians By hold