I hope you have fun but not so much fun that you stop wanting to come back and update a great story.
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Sematary said:
May i remind that i am going to France... :rofl: Just kidding, love the country, but still a bit iffy on the food tastes...
Good point. How can any non french person have fun in France? I mean the good looking girls and the art and all... nope no fun at allrobou said:May i remind that i am going to France... :rofl: Just kidding, love the country, but still a bit iffy on the food tastes...
Ahh France, the fine cuisine such as horse and invertebrate. The evocative smell of malfunctioning sewers, the gentle waft of burning tyres carried on the breeze from the picket lines. A paradise indeed.Sematary said:Good point. How can any non french person have fun in France? I mean the good looking girls and the art and all... nope no fun at all
El Pip said:Ahh France, the fine cuisine such as horse and invertebrate. The evocative smell of malfunctioning sewers, the gentle waft of burning tyres carried on the breeze from the picket lines. A paradise indeed.
yes, and my freind maneged to fall into one of those lovely sewers in the hotel we were staying in. Luckily no one flushed at the time. Yes, i am back and will begin updating immediately.
The Diaz Offensive, Stage 2
The new year began with an Austrian counterattack at the town on Linz, in Northwestern Austria. Wether the Austrians were attacking Cadorna's troops or were attempting to find a pass in the mountains to reach Salzburg, it was unknown, but the attack would be beaten off.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 400
Austrian ~ 3,000
In the southern theatre, Capello had taken Pola, forcing the remains of the KMO (Kriegsmarine österreich) to make a dash for Dubrovnik or scutle themselves. They chose to make a run for a southern Adriatic port. However, an Italian submarine, under the command of Capt. Cappuchinio picked them up and engaged. The rest of the Italian fleet in the area was called into help. Soon a large battle was coming together, and Cappuchino was given honourary command of the battle for his bravery in engaging the KMO single-handedly.
Cappuchino's luck was not to hold though. His submarine was badly damged by Austrian shells and sunk, along with him and the crew inside. The Duca degli Abruzzi took command from his flagship, the Napoli. Italian fleet numbers began to show and the firepower of the more modern Italian vessels soon forced the KMO to retreat, hugging to the coast. In the chase that followed, transports of the Austrian navy were targeted and sunk, and one Austrian Cruiser, the Franz Ferdinand, was sunk when shells from the Cai Dullio hit her main engine, forcing the crew to abandon her and make for the caost. The result was a firm Italian victory over the KMO, making Italy a major runner for naval domination fo the Mediterranean.
The Battleship, Cai Dullio, pictured here steaming out of Taranto.
Back in the north, troops arriving from the closed Trento campaign arrived in Innsbruck, in order to defend the territory from troops across the border with Germany. They arrived just in time as Austrian troops, thought to have retreated from Salzburg, attacked the province. On the same day, the encriclement of Zell am See was completed and Italian infantry moved in for the kill.
The Austrians at Innsbruck, already badly mauled, decided it best to retreat with the Italian resistance so high, but at Zell am See the Hapsburg troops had no such choice and within a few days the battle was over, wiping out another Austrian division.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 1,800
Austrian ~ 11,000
The last item that would finish off the Diaz Plan was the Croat troops, commanded by Yitnyédi, at Trieste. Capello, commander of the Italian Cavalry, was ordered to engage and destroy the Hapsburg forces in the area. Capello could not waste his cavalry, like General Evangelista had done with the infantry a month before, but ordered a full-on frontal charge along a 30 mile front, engaging all his three divisions at once.
His offensive was a success, and the Croat troops broke under the weight of the Cavalry Charge. With no where to escape and the cavalry fast on their heels, the Croats were cut down or forced to surrendered, down to the last man. Yitnyédi asked to be shot for failing his command but instead, due to his honourable performance at both battles of Trieste, was given total freedom to do as he liked in Italy, or return to Austria. He saw the war was swinging too far in Italys favour and decided to stay, he would be an important mover in the peace deals later on.
Troops of the Savoia Cavalry take cover behind a fallen steed.Casualties:
Italian ~ 6,200
Austrian ~ 14,000
Total casualty figures:
January period -
Italian ~ 8,400
Austrian ~ 28,000
Total for the Diaz Offensive -
Italian ~ 22,400
Austrian ~ 53,400
The Situation by February 9th presents a favourable picture for the Regio Escertio. The Italians have created a stable front running from Innsbruck to Fiume, via Linz, creating a large wedge in the Austrian lines, with its end point only 50km away from Vienna. The Italians have also subdued all Austrian border defensives and crossed the Alps, forcing the Austrians to create defensive fortifications on low, rather than high, ground. The only worry for the Italians is the increasing number of German troops being placed in and around Munich. Wether these are for defensive measures against a, what seems near on, indestrucable Italian army or are to be used for Offensive measures is unknown. The best hope for the Italians is that they can push for Vienna and the Dalmatian coast before the Germans can act against them.
The Rocky Road Northwards: Giornale Italie No.11 January 1916
The new year began with an Austrian counterattack at the town on Linz, in Northwestern Austria. Wether the Austrians were attacking Cadorna's troops or were attempting to find a pass in the mountains to reach Salzburg, it was unknown, but the attack would be beaten off.
Italian ~ 400
Austrian ~ 3,000
In the southern theatre, Capello had taken Pola, forcing the remains of the KMO (Kriegsmarine österreich) to make a dash for Dubrovnik or scutle themselves. They chose to make a run for a southern Adriatic port. However, an Italian submarine, under the command of Capt. Cappuchinio picked them up and engaged. The rest of the Italian fleet in the area was called into help. Soon a large battle was coming together, and Cappuchino was given honourary command of the battle for his bravery in engaging the KMO single-handedly.
Cappuchino's luck was not to hold though. His submarine was badly damged by Austrian shells and sunk, along with him and the crew inside. The Duca degli Abruzzi took command from his flagship, the Napoli. Italian fleet numbers began to show and the firepower of the more modern Italian vessels soon forced the KMO to retreat, hugging to the coast. In the chase that followed, transports of the Austrian navy were targeted and sunk, and one Austrian Cruiser, the Franz Ferdinand, was sunk when shells from the Cai Dullio hit her main engine, forcing the crew to abandon her and make for the caost. The result was a firm Italian victory over the KMO, making Italy a major runner for naval domination fo the Mediterranean.
The Battleship, Cai Dullio, pictured here steaming out of Taranto.
Back in the north, troops arriving from the closed Trento campaign arrived in Innsbruck, in order to defend the territory from troops across the border with Germany. They arrived just in time as Austrian troops, thought to have retreated from Salzburg, attacked the province. On the same day, the encriclement of Zell am See was completed and Italian infantry moved in for the kill.
The Austrians at Innsbruck, already badly mauled, decided it best to retreat with the Italian resistance so high, but at Zell am See the Hapsburg troops had no such choice and within a few days the battle was over, wiping out another Austrian division.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 1,800
Austrian ~ 11,000
The last item that would finish off the Diaz Plan was the Croat troops, commanded by Yitnyédi, at Trieste. Capello, commander of the Italian Cavalry, was ordered to engage and destroy the Hapsburg forces in the area. Capello could not waste his cavalry, like General Evangelista had done with the infantry a month before, but ordered a full-on frontal charge along a 30 mile front, engaging all his three divisions at once.
His offensive was a success, and the Croat troops broke under the weight of the Cavalry Charge. With no where to escape and the cavalry fast on their heels, the Croats were cut down or forced to surrendered, down to the last man. Yitnyédi asked to be shot for failing his command but instead, due to his honourable performance at both battles of Trieste, was given total freedom to do as he liked in Italy, or return to Austria. He saw the war was swinging too far in Italys favour and decided to stay, he would be an important mover in the peace deals later on.
Troops of the Savoia Cavalry take cover behind a fallen steed.
Italian ~ 6,200
Austrian ~ 14,000
Total casualty figures:
January period -
Italian ~ 8,400
Austrian ~ 28,000
Total for the Diaz Offensive -
Italian ~ 22,400
Austrian ~ 53,400
The Situation by February 9th presents a favourable picture for the Regio Escertio. The Italians have created a stable front running from Innsbruck to Fiume, via Linz, creating a large wedge in the Austrian lines, with its end point only 50km away from Vienna. The Italians have also subdued all Austrian border defensives and crossed the Alps, forcing the Austrians to create defensive fortifications on low, rather than high, ground. The only worry for the Italians is the increasing number of German troops being placed in and around Munich. Wether these are for defensive measures against a, what seems near on, indestrucable Italian army or are to be used for Offensive measures is unknown. The best hope for the Italians is that they can push for Vienna and the Dalmatian coast before the Germans can act against them.
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War news: February 9th
*Note - I secured Defensive alliances with Britain and France so i could see what was going on - end note*
Current War New:
Ottoman fronts:
The Ottoman Empire has not fared well in this war. The British Palestine Offensive has not ended and the British troops are within striking distance of Damascus, having taken Jerusalem in early January. The Russian offensive, as well, does not show any signs of stopping, and there is a possibility that the two Entente forces will meet somewhere near Syria. The Australians also mounted a daring assault on Istanbul, which against all the odds, was successful. The situation looks grim for the decedant Ottoman Empire.
Balkan Fronts:
On the Balkan front, Serbia and the Central Powers (apart from the newly joined Bulgaria) signed a peace deal to return to the status-quo, meaning that Serbia is no longer an Entente nation. Montenegro submitted to Central Powers, and entered the DEU (German Economic Union), ending the war there. Romania also pulled out of the war, making a status-quo peace with the Central Powers. A bad outlook for the Entente powers in the Balkans just got worse. Serbia and Bulgaria now fight for domination of the Balkans.
Eastern Front:
While the outlook may, at first, look bad for the Russians, Italian intelligence suggests that, not only has the German offensive ground to a halt on all sectors, but that Russian commanders have pushed back German forces in the Kiev sector and have even managed to isolate some troops in a pocket north of Odessa. The war could still swing either way here, with a renewed Russian offensive certainly being a possiblilty.
Western Front:
Both sides appear to have very stiff defensives along the whole front here, but the French break out near Baden has caused the front to change, as Germany calls back troops to secure and then beat back the French footholds over the Rhein.
West Africa:
In the two west African campaigns the outcome was unexpected. Kammerun, the best defended colony on the Atlantic coast fell to the combined efforts of Belgian, British and French troops, but a fierce German offensive in Togo has forced the Entente commanders in the region to rethink their strategy.
*Note - I secured Defensive alliances with Britain and France so i could see what was going on - end note*
Current War New:
Ottoman fronts:
The Ottoman Empire has not fared well in this war. The British Palestine Offensive has not ended and the British troops are within striking distance of Damascus, having taken Jerusalem in early January. The Russian offensive, as well, does not show any signs of stopping, and there is a possibility that the two Entente forces will meet somewhere near Syria. The Australians also mounted a daring assault on Istanbul, which against all the odds, was successful. The situation looks grim for the decedant Ottoman Empire.
Balkan Fronts:
On the Balkan front, Serbia and the Central Powers (apart from the newly joined Bulgaria) signed a peace deal to return to the status-quo, meaning that Serbia is no longer an Entente nation. Montenegro submitted to Central Powers, and entered the DEU (German Economic Union), ending the war there. Romania also pulled out of the war, making a status-quo peace with the Central Powers. A bad outlook for the Entente powers in the Balkans just got worse. Serbia and Bulgaria now fight for domination of the Balkans.
Eastern Front:
While the outlook may, at first, look bad for the Russians, Italian intelligence suggests that, not only has the German offensive ground to a halt on all sectors, but that Russian commanders have pushed back German forces in the Kiev sector and have even managed to isolate some troops in a pocket north of Odessa. The war could still swing either way here, with a renewed Russian offensive certainly being a possiblilty.
Western Front:
Both sides appear to have very stiff defensives along the whole front here, but the French break out near Baden has caused the front to change, as Germany calls back troops to secure and then beat back the French footholds over the Rhein.
West Africa:
In the two west African campaigns the outcome was unexpected. Kammerun, the best defended colony on the Atlantic coast fell to the combined efforts of Belgian, British and French troops, but a fierce German offensive in Togo has forced the Entente commanders in the region to rethink their strategy.
Just dropping a line to declare myself subscribed! A solid start- certainly better than the Italians did in real life... I've just read a new book on the First World War, and apparently the real Cadorna was a Trotsky-style disciplinarian- shot the troops for retreating, reintroduced decimation and frequently flogged his men. What a charmer.
Enjoyin gthis though!
Enjoyin gthis though!
The Rocky Road Northwards: Giornale Italie No.12 February - March 1916
With the Diaz Plan completed and Italian troops within visable distance of Vienna, a new plan would have to be created to take the city with. The plan the government were looking for was delivered by Luigi Capello himself to General Diaz. Clad as always in his scruffy uniform, with the goggels of the Cavalryman kept, as normal, around his kepi, he delivered a plan that was simple, yet daring and possibly catastrophic if it went wrong*. Capello suggested a frontal assault on the Austrian positions south of Vienna using about 70% of the Italian armies field strength, while keeping about only 30% of the army to defend against counter attacks further north.
Pink lines = Cavalry Preliminary moves
Dark Blue Numbers = Ammount of forces moving
Red lines = Capello's "Grand Push"
Yellow lines = Cavalry attack
Capello's plan did desire a huge reorganisation of the armies position. While the stronger corps would move south, the weaker ones would cover the north. While seeming complicated on the map, it was simple at heart.
Diaz would command no troops during the offensive, but would take personal command of the force based in Innsbruck. Capello would lead, as ever, the cavalry. Cadorna and Guarino would lead the main infantry assault and Evangelista would command troops gaurding the northern frontier.
The Austrians got wind of the large troop movements taking place, and were quick to annoy the Italians while they attempted to reorganise.
The attacks at Innsbruck and Judenburg, while being easily swept away by Italian number, caused a delay of the operation until March 10th, instead of the planned March 2rd.
However, German forces had different ideas. At Innsbruck, after the scouting done by Austrian forces a few days before, they struck in force (9 divisions), causing Diaz to ask for immediate assitance from forces in Zell am See. These forces were supposed to be going towards the front, but were forced to go to Diaz's aid or face a German break out in their rear.
Italian troops dug in along the bottom of a mountain. Diaz's well prepared defences gave a huge bonus to the Italian defences.
Even from the begining of the battle, Diaz held all the cards. He was dug in along mountain sides and this left the Germans attacking up hill against thick trench lines. When two Austrian divisions left the field on March 6th the battle turned badly against the Germans. When the reinforcements from Zell am See arrived, the Germans had no choice but to retreat. The reinforcements left for the Austrian front and troops from the Trento came to replace them. Diaz began to dig in again. The attack at Innsbruck caused Capello to delay the offensive again, this time all the way back to April 1st, almost a month later then planned.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 1,800
Austrian ~ 13,100
With the troops ready, Capello put down the hammer and began, what he hoped, would be the last Italian offensive into Austria.
*inronically when i was writing this, i was listenting to the Theme tune to 'A Bridge too Far'.
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Glad to have you along pal. You are always welcome and your comments are always constructive, giving a lot of confidence on my part to the entertainment my AAR hopefully gives.
*Yay 900th post, seems i have caught up on posts as well pal
*
Capello Offensive
On April 1st, The Army of the South Danube, under the overall command of General Capello, launched its long delayed offensive into an area streching from Graz in the north to Ogulin on the Adriatic coast. 15 divisions of Capello's 18 division army were ordered forward onto the Austrian positions.
However, smelling out the build up of Divisions south of the Danube, the Austrians launched a pre-emtive strike at the city of Linz. The city was defended by 4 divisions of General Diaz's Army of the Alps, under the command of Mj General Abacherly. Although the Italians were well dug in around the city, it was clear that the Austrians were throwing a large ammount of their Army of Bohemia into the assault. Lt. General Evangelista, commanding 2 divisions of the Reserve Infantry, attached to Capello's Army, south of Linz in the city of Judenburg was ordered to lend assistance to Abacherly.
The Capello Offensive went on as planned, even with the minor set back at Lienz. 9 Divisions of Luigi Cadorna's Alpine Corps and Gaurino's 2nd Infantry Corps attacked the small garrison at Graz, while south of them 3 divisions of the 4th Infantry would create a diversion at the Croatian city of Maribor. Even further south of them, Capello's Cavalry would hit Ogulin, supported by the entire Regia Marina.
Capello engaged the main enemy force outside Ogulin on April 9th and quickly destroyed them with the lightning charge his was so famous for, and the firepower of the Italian warships off the coast supporting the operation.
Casualties:
Italians ~ 8,000
Austrians ~ 20,000
Guarino hit the Austrian lines at Graz on April 8th, and quickly forced the grossely outnumbered Austrian to withdraw with few casualties. However, a relief force arrived before they could be halted by Vienna. This ended in a bloodbath, as Italian firepower, mainly due to the sheer number of Italian troops, decimated the attacking force.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 1,000
Austrian ~ 42,000
Back at Linz, the reinforcements from Judenburg seriously down Austrian chances for success as Linz become the second bloodbath battle of 1916. The Austrians now lacked the offensive momentum to succeed at Linz, but for some unknown reason decided not to retreat from the battle. It would seem as if the Austrians were happy to let the men die, if it could defeat the Italians through Atrittion, but it was obvious that Austria was breaking at the seems, and that it could not hold off for much longer.
Casualties so far:
Italian ~ 8,000
Austrian ~ 46,000
Casualties for Capello Offensive stage one:
Italian ~ 17,000
Austrian ~ 108,000
Casualties for entire war (inc. Atritional)
Italian ~ 161,200
Austrian ~ 404,500
The Rocky Road Northwards: Giornale Italie No.13 April - May 1916
On April 1st, The Army of the South Danube, under the overall command of General Capello, launched its long delayed offensive into an area streching from Graz in the north to Ogulin on the Adriatic coast. 15 divisions of Capello's 18 division army were ordered forward onto the Austrian positions.
However, smelling out the build up of Divisions south of the Danube, the Austrians launched a pre-emtive strike at the city of Linz. The city was defended by 4 divisions of General Diaz's Army of the Alps, under the command of Mj General Abacherly. Although the Italians were well dug in around the city, it was clear that the Austrians were throwing a large ammount of their Army of Bohemia into the assault. Lt. General Evangelista, commanding 2 divisions of the Reserve Infantry, attached to Capello's Army, south of Linz in the city of Judenburg was ordered to lend assistance to Abacherly.
The Capello Offensive went on as planned, even with the minor set back at Lienz. 9 Divisions of Luigi Cadorna's Alpine Corps and Gaurino's 2nd Infantry Corps attacked the small garrison at Graz, while south of them 3 divisions of the 4th Infantry would create a diversion at the Croatian city of Maribor. Even further south of them, Capello's Cavalry would hit Ogulin, supported by the entire Regia Marina.
Capello engaged the main enemy force outside Ogulin on April 9th and quickly destroyed them with the lightning charge his was so famous for, and the firepower of the Italian warships off the coast supporting the operation.
Casualties:
Italians ~ 8,000
Austrians ~ 20,000
Guarino hit the Austrian lines at Graz on April 8th, and quickly forced the grossely outnumbered Austrian to withdraw with few casualties. However, a relief force arrived before they could be halted by Vienna. This ended in a bloodbath, as Italian firepower, mainly due to the sheer number of Italian troops, decimated the attacking force.
Italian ~ 1,000
Austrian ~ 42,000
Back at Linz, the reinforcements from Judenburg seriously down Austrian chances for success as Linz become the second bloodbath battle of 1916. The Austrians now lacked the offensive momentum to succeed at Linz, but for some unknown reason decided not to retreat from the battle. It would seem as if the Austrians were happy to let the men die, if it could defeat the Italians through Atrittion, but it was obvious that Austria was breaking at the seems, and that it could not hold off for much longer.
Casualties so far:
Italian ~ 8,000
Austrian ~ 46,000
Casualties for Capello Offensive stage one:
Italian ~ 17,000
Austrian ~ 108,000
Casualties for entire war (inc. Atritional)
Italian ~ 161,200
Austrian ~ 404,500
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casualty figures
can i just state that my casualties might be out a little bit, as with Italian attritional figures hard to distinguish from Battle casualties while large and long battles rage on and some Austrian figures due to already mauled divisions coming into a battle when im not watching. But to a large degree they should give you a good estimate on the total casualties.
can i just state that my casualties might be out a little bit, as with Italian attritional figures hard to distinguish from Battle casualties while large and long battles rage on and some Austrian figures due to already mauled divisions coming into a battle when im not watching. But to a large degree they should give you a good estimate on the total casualties.
This is one of the best AARs I have ever followed. And without a doubt the best Victoria AAR I have followed. Good job.
Sematary said:
Well.... i.....
o i am flattered to say the least. I have to thank Quirinus308 a lot for the inspiration (from his German WW1 AAR) and helping keep me together, but i would say take a morning and read his and i will be sorely beaten
The March on Vienna and the 'Austrian Decemation'
The Capello Offensive, although only having lasted a month, had been a huge success, with the Italians advancing 80km along the southern fronts, causing huge casualties against the Austrians, while only taking light losses themselves. The next stage of Capello's offensive plans was a march on Vienna. However, with the Austrians still fighting at Linz, the ofeensive would be delayed until the situation could be better asessed.
At Linz, the Austrians were still throwing troops at the Italian lines, only for them to be cut down mercilessly by Italian machine-gun and artillery fire. By May 10th, the last Austrian was rounded up by Italian pickets, ending the month long battle.
The battle was the second of the, so called, 'Bloodbath' battles on the Italian front and the cost for the Austrians was horrific.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 14,000
Austrian ~ 70,000 (mostly KIA)
The next Italian attack was the diversionary raid on Maribor. It was hoped that the large Austro-German forces in Zagreb would hold their position if the Italians attacked so close to the city, their last major supply dump in the Balkans. Capello had expected the attack to fail, it was almost meant to fail, but the Italian troops, of higher quality then their Austrian counterparts, quickly started to gain the upper hand.
Casulaties so far:
Italian ~ 600
Austrian ~ 2,200
The Austrians would have to send forces from Zagreb if they wished to win the battle, which Capello hoped would give his cavalry the breathing room needed to advance further down the coast towards Split. The Austrian reaction was very different though. Instead of keeping to the defence of Maribor, their initiated their own counterattack at Postojna, where Mj. General Galatro's 14th Infantry Division was resting.
Galatro was no fool, he was one of the more accomplised Generals, with battle honours including Innsbruck and Salzburg, and had taken the precaution of digging deep denfence systems surrounding his position. The Austrians attacked in a large force consisting of 4 Austrian Infantry Divisions, which was reinforced by a German Division on May 13th. However, Galatro lacked the firepower to inflict casualties on the Austrians, and he called Capello to come to assistance. Capello would have prefered to continue his offensive south, but with his rear-grounds under serious threat, he was forced to withdraw to Galatro's position.
With the 'Austrian Decemation' (a name given to it by both Italian and Austrian troops) at Linz over, Cadorna recieved confirmation from Capello that he could begin his delayed advance on Vienna. He engaged the Austrian garrison, 2 mauled divisions of the Austrian Army of the Homeland Defence, mostly conscripts, and within five days had crushed the Volksturmm and was begining to occupy the city.
Soldiers of the Austrian 127th Volks Regiment, shortly before surrendering to the Italians at Neunkirchen, outside Vienna.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 1,600
Austrian = 10,790
At Postjna, Capello's cavalry finnally arrived at the battle, quickly ending any chance of Austrian success. The Austrians withdrew 2 days later. Capello could now continue his push southwards.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 200
Austrian ~ 6,000
On May 25th, the same day as Cadorna entered Vienna, the Austrians struck at Linz again, now in greater numbers. Linz had been reinforced by both Evangeslista's Reserve Infantry and a Division of the Regular Army, brought in from Calazone's Corps at Salzburg.
Even with their numerical advantage, the Austrians could not outfight the Italian defenders. However, they also seemed to have a belief in victory as the battle turned more and more away from them. Still, they would not retreat, and their confidence in meeting Italian offensives with counter-offensives did not falter, but as the numbers of Austrian troops dwindling and the Italians in Vienna, peace would be the only option, unless a true miracle were to happen to the Austrian forces.
Casualties so far:
Italian ~ 4,000
Austrian ~ 11,000
Austrian POW's, mostly of the 46th Infantry Division are marched to camps back in Italy, unknowing of their fate.
The Rocky Road Northwards: Giornale Italie No.14 May - June 1916
The Capello Offensive, although only having lasted a month, had been a huge success, with the Italians advancing 80km along the southern fronts, causing huge casualties against the Austrians, while only taking light losses themselves. The next stage of Capello's offensive plans was a march on Vienna. However, with the Austrians still fighting at Linz, the ofeensive would be delayed until the situation could be better asessed.
At Linz, the Austrians were still throwing troops at the Italian lines, only for them to be cut down mercilessly by Italian machine-gun and artillery fire. By May 10th, the last Austrian was rounded up by Italian pickets, ending the month long battle.
The battle was the second of the, so called, 'Bloodbath' battles on the Italian front and the cost for the Austrians was horrific.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 14,000
Austrian ~ 70,000 (mostly KIA)
The next Italian attack was the diversionary raid on Maribor. It was hoped that the large Austro-German forces in Zagreb would hold their position if the Italians attacked so close to the city, their last major supply dump in the Balkans. Capello had expected the attack to fail, it was almost meant to fail, but the Italian troops, of higher quality then their Austrian counterparts, quickly started to gain the upper hand.
Casulaties so far:
Italian ~ 600
Austrian ~ 2,200
The Austrians would have to send forces from Zagreb if they wished to win the battle, which Capello hoped would give his cavalry the breathing room needed to advance further down the coast towards Split. The Austrian reaction was very different though. Instead of keeping to the defence of Maribor, their initiated their own counterattack at Postojna, where Mj. General Galatro's 14th Infantry Division was resting.
Galatro was no fool, he was one of the more accomplised Generals, with battle honours including Innsbruck and Salzburg, and had taken the precaution of digging deep denfence systems surrounding his position. The Austrians attacked in a large force consisting of 4 Austrian Infantry Divisions, which was reinforced by a German Division on May 13th. However, Galatro lacked the firepower to inflict casualties on the Austrians, and he called Capello to come to assistance. Capello would have prefered to continue his offensive south, but with his rear-grounds under serious threat, he was forced to withdraw to Galatro's position.
With the 'Austrian Decemation' (a name given to it by both Italian and Austrian troops) at Linz over, Cadorna recieved confirmation from Capello that he could begin his delayed advance on Vienna. He engaged the Austrian garrison, 2 mauled divisions of the Austrian Army of the Homeland Defence, mostly conscripts, and within five days had crushed the Volksturmm and was begining to occupy the city.
Soldiers of the Austrian 127th Volks Regiment, shortly before surrendering to the Italians at Neunkirchen, outside Vienna.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 1,600
Austrian = 10,790
At Postjna, Capello's cavalry finnally arrived at the battle, quickly ending any chance of Austrian success. The Austrians withdrew 2 days later. Capello could now continue his push southwards.
Casualties:
Italian ~ 200
Austrian ~ 6,000
On May 25th, the same day as Cadorna entered Vienna, the Austrians struck at Linz again, now in greater numbers. Linz had been reinforced by both Evangeslista's Reserve Infantry and a Division of the Regular Army, brought in from Calazone's Corps at Salzburg.
Even with their numerical advantage, the Austrians could not outfight the Italian defenders. However, they also seemed to have a belief in victory as the battle turned more and more away from them. Still, they would not retreat, and their confidence in meeting Italian offensives with counter-offensives did not falter, but as the numbers of Austrian troops dwindling and the Italians in Vienna, peace would be the only option, unless a true miracle were to happen to the Austrian forces.
Casualties so far:
Italian ~ 4,000
Austrian ~ 11,000
Austrian POW's, mostly of the 46th Infantry Division are marched to camps back in Italy, unknowing of their fate.
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Great AAR, although a hate writing about combat, its loads of fun to read. Keep it up.
EDIT: I do have one criticism, more a query really- you seem to be constantly switching between referring to Italy as a monarchy and a republic (Regia Marina, Militia Republicanna etc.) just a bit odd I thought!
EDIT: I do have one criticism, more a query really- you seem to be constantly switching between referring to Italy as a monarchy and a republic (Regia Marina, Militia Republicanna etc.)
just a bit odd I thought!
Dr. Gonzo said:Great AAR, although a hate writing about combat, its loads of fun to read. Keep it up.
EDIT: I do have one criticism, more a query really- you seem to be constantly switching between referring to Italy as a monarchy and a republic (Regia Marina, Militia Republicanna etc.)
Nice to have you here and i hope you continue to enjoy. The Regular Armed forces (navy, army and later of Air force) have as their patron the King, in this case King Vittoria Emmanuel III. It is him they swear their oath of loyalty to and he could (if he wanted the whole of the countries political system to hate him) take command of the army as well. The King holds no political power, and the Italian assembly/republican parliment is the one that makes all the descions. As the king holds no power, the Militia, being common citizens called up in times of war, give their oath to the republic. This tradition continued into WW2, where the Army, known as the Regio Escertio was the Royal Army but the Militia, commanly refered to as the MVSN (Milizia Volentria per la Sicurrezza Nazionale) or blackshirts pledged their oath to Mussolini. It is simply the political situation of Italy (which is an incredably strange system) is what dictates it...
Sorry if that is a little long winded...
Rob
wow,
those casualty figures are incredibly lopsided. Provided the Germans leave your left flank alone, you should have no trouble bringing AH down, And then...
those casualty figures are incredibly lopsided. Provided the Germans leave your left flank alone, you should have no trouble bringing AH down, And then...
Oerdin said:
didn't see this first time, but welcome and thanks!
yes i was surprised that the AI was stupid enough to continue commiting troops to battles that could not be won, much like Salisbury in yours. And indeed what is to follow....