The British Army in Italy in WW1 Military history talk via ZOOM at 6.00 pm on Wednesday 25th

There will be a military history talk via ZOOM at 6.00 pm on Wednesday, 25th June by Lt Col (Retd) James Porter in support of The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester. The talk will be recorded and may be sent to anyone not able to tune in on Wednesday. If you wish to watch the talk or have a recording sent, please email [email protected] .

Very little is known by most people about Italy’s role in WW1 when it fought on the side of Britain and her Allies. Indeed, most would be astonished to find that thousands of British soldiers took part in the fighting in North Italy against the Austrians (principally) and the Germans. It all began with the catastrophic defeat of the Italian Army at the Battle of Caporetto in October 1917 when, over an 11-day period, they retreated over 80 miles and suffered 275,000 men captured. Italian morale was now precariously low and Italy’s ability to remain in the War was in some doubt. Britain and France immediately sent troops to bolster the Italian front, 5 divisions in Britain’s case. After some months of inactivity, and the return to France of 2 divisions because of the German ‘Kaiserschlacht’ offensive, British troops were engaged in heavy fighting on the Asiago in June 1918 and then again at Vittorio Veneto in October 1918. The talk covers both the battles which British troops took part in, but also their attitude towards and relationship with the Italian Army and civilian population.