Italy - 1918

In 1918 the Germans withdrew troops from the Italian Front in preparation for their Spring Offensive. As a result, the Austro-Hungarians were facing the Italians alone when they launched an attack along the Piave River in June. Poor weather conditions and lack of supplies meant the attack was pushed back by the Italians who took 24,000 prisoners.

The Italian commander Armando Diaz was planning an offensive of his own.

In October Diaz launched his attack along the Piave River with the goal of breaking through the Austro-Hungarian line and reaching the town of Vittorio Veneto. The Italians were supported by French and British soldiers, among them some Welsh units such as the 10th Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. By the end of October the Allies had crossed the Piave River and captured Vittorio Veneto. The Austrian forces were divided up and by early November their defence had crumbled. About 300,000 Austrian soldiers were taken prisoner - a stunning victory, at last, for the Italians.