Chapter XIII

The fighting on the Asiago plateau—Brilliant counter-offensive
of General Cadorna—I go to Asiago—Wonderful organization of
Italian Army—Making new roads—Thousands of labourers—The
military causeway—Supply columns in full operation—Wonderful
scenes—Approaching the scene of action—The forest of Gallio—The big
bivouac—Whole brigades lying hidden—The forest screen—Picturesque
encampments—The “bell” tent as compared with the _tente
d’abri_—Our car stopped by the _Carabinieri_—“Nostri Canoni”—We
leave the car—The plain of Asiago—The little town of Asiago
in distance—The Austrian and Italian batteries and Italian
trenches—Hurrying across—The daily toll of the guns—Asiago in
ruins—Street fighting—Importance attaching to this point—An ominous
lull—Regiment waiting to proceed trenches—Sad spectacle—The
quarters of the divisional commandant—His “office”—Staff clerks
at work—Telephone bells ringing—The commandant’s regret at
our coming—Big artillery attack to commence—A quarter of an
hour to spare—A peep at the Austrian trenches—A little, ruined
home—All movements of troops to trenches by night—Artillery
action about to commence—Not allowed go trenches—Adventure on
way back—Attempt cross no man’s land at the double—My little
“souvenir” of Asiago—Bursting shells—Ordered to take cover—The
wounded soldiers and the kitten—Anything but a pleasant spot—The
two _Carabinieri_—Cool courage—In the “funk-hole”—An inferno—My
own impressions—Effect on soldiers and our chauffeur—The wounded
sergeant—We prepare to make a start back—Irritating delay—A
shrapnel—My companion is wounded—Transformation along road—Curious
incident 163