This was the beginning of the end.
The northern part of Italy is bounded by the Alps, and between those
lofty ranges and the deep valleys there had been constant fighting. In
this fighting, both on mountain and in valley, there were the most
extraordinary deeds of individual heroism, constantly exhibited.
The Alpine regiments, known in Italy as the Alpini, were men of
extraordinary physical powers, accustomed to mountain climbing, and
filled with courage and patriotism. Owing to the nature of the territory
in such contests, only a limited number of men could be used at one
time, and the fighting went on over masses of snow or solid rock. Guns
were hauled up precipices and dugouts excavated in the rock itself. The
Italian troops, clothed in white overalls to prevent their being seen,
moved with great rapidity from point to point, and forced their enemy to
keep constantly on the alert. In the great Italian drive just described
the most bitter fighting was that which occurred in these mountainous
regions.
The work of the Italian aviators is also worthy of special attention.
They not only secured entire command of the air, but by flying low they
often threw into confusion with their machine guns the Austrian
infantry. Their wonderful work in bringing in military information, and
in bombing expeditions, was not excelled, if it was equaled, by the
airmen of any other country.
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