IT Isonzo - 24 Oct 1917 Austro-German forces launched attack across the R. Isonzo [ now called 'Soca' ] via a bridgehead at Tolmin. The weather was bad with snow and fog when the Otalians were hit by a massive bombardment orchestrated by Gen von Hutier which used huge amount of chloprine & phosgene which was obscured by the thick fog so many soldiers had no time to react. Many units were gassed where they stood and ther attack was a huge success with many Italians stranded on the easdtern bank of the rover when the bridges were blown up. Special Alpine troops attacked Mt Kolovrat on the west bank and four companiesd, led by Lt Wrwin Rommel stormed along the ridge and by the 26th had captured Mt Matajur and taken over 9,000 prisoners and 80 guns for the loss of just 6 deasd and 30 wounded.