Masses of Austro-Hungarian prisoners taken during the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, ca. November 1918.

 Masses of Austro-Hungarian prisoners taken during the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, ca. November 1918.


Today 105 years ago, on October 24, 1918, the Italians launched the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, leading to victory on the Italian Front. 



Austria-Hungary had attacked unsuccessfully in the Second Battle of the Piave in June 1918. Although displeasing to the Allies, the Italians chose to wait to go on the counter-offensive until they felt ready. 

The Italian counter-offensive on the Piave was chosen to be launched on October 24, 1918, exactly a year after the launch of the disastrous Battle of Caporetto. For the upcoming attack, the Italians had assembled 52 Infantry Divisions with 3 British and 2 French Divisions, as well as a U.S. Regiment too. The Italians had 7,750 guns and over 1,000 airplanes for the attack.  

The Austro-Hungarians had 50 Infantry Divisions and 6,100 guns. Although demoralized and in political instability, the Austro-Hungarians held strong positions on the Piave and were expecting the attack.

On October 24, 1918, after a preliminary artillery bombardment, the Italians and Allies attacked along the Piave towards the city of Vittorio Veneto.

Immediately, the Italians met fierce resistance along the front and heavy rains led to flooding of the Piave, making crossing it impossible. Both sides fought courageously, and after 3 days of heavy fighting the Italians hadn't achieved decisive results.

On October 27, the flooding of the Piave finally ceased and, deploying Arditi forces, the Italians managed to cross the river, construct some bridgeheads, and gain a foothold on the other side. Though the Austrians constantly bombarded the bridges, much to the trouble of the Allies.

Internal political turmoil within the Austro-Hungarian Empire started to grow, with several states declaring their independence. Soldiers began refusing orders, and morale was plummeting. Emperor Charles asked U.S. President Wilson for an Armistice on October 28.

The Austro-Hungarians began withdrawing from the Piave on October 29, and the Italians advanced, liberating Vittorio Veneto.

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