23/10/1918 With British help, the Italians prepare to cross the Piave #1918Live

The Italian front has been quiet since the failed Austro-Hungarian attempt to cross the Piave in June. Now that the war looks like it will soon be ending, Prime Minister Orlando of Italy is desperately prodding Diaz, the army commander, to attack. Orlando fears that if Italy sits out the war’s end then it will be robbed of its rightful share of the spoils of victory.

After some foot-dragging, Diaz is now ready to attack. Tomorrow is the big day, with his men to launch a two-pronged attack: northwards against Monte Grappa and eastwards across the Piave. And the Italians will not be fighting on their own. After the Caporetto disaster British troops were sent to bolster the Italian defence and now these will assist in the crossing of the Piave. Although tomorrow is the day of the main assault, British troops make their first moves today, occupying islands…