Cadorna vs von Hotzendorf. Pity they couldn't just give these two a sabre and a horse and let them fight it out between them while everyone else watched.
Quickly the battle would turn against both of them, making them strategically retreat. They would wait for too long before attacking each other, leading to another strategic retreat.
Razamataz Productions I have a great Battle Plan, all the generals say I have the best Battle Plan. 500 of them endorse my plan, more than ever before. They say it's the best plan they ever saw. - Luigi Cadorna (1916)
I was playing a WW1 mod in Hearts of Iron and it was quite historical regarding Conrad's stupidity. Austria lost the war because Hotzendorf sent 3/4 of the army to Africa while a montenegrian armored car captured Viena, Budapest, Zagreb and Praha. Wish this happened in real life so Indy would talk about it
Cadorna's grand strategy can be accurately described as as "Repedetly headbutting a wall until it collapses. It is the only conceivable way to break the wall."
At the ninth battle of Isonzo, my true love gave to me Nine mad Capellos, Eight Luigi Cadornas, Seven muddy trenches, Six new corps, fiiive golden guns, four rainy days, three wintry days, two heads of lice, and Benito Mussolini!
It was an Austro-German offensive and Austria-Hungary did not 'beg' for help, the talks of joint Austro-German offensives were always on the table. Firstly at the outbreak of the war with Italy, then with that 'Straffexpedition' of Conrad's, then since November 1916 for yet another one. During the 11th Battle, Austro-German offensive was already decided on, which is why the Emperor and Boroevic have fallen back on Banjšice. It's hard to say 11th Battle was any kind of victory for the Italians and it certainly was not 'great'. It did bring the attrition to the highest level so far. The 7-some kilometers advance on Banjšice (sorry, in this example I really can't use the Italian version 'Bainsizza', it just twists my minds) looks great on the map, but it changed little in reality - that is, unless there was to be another Italian offensive. Further more, von Bellow (German general)'s '14th German Army', which carried out the offensive had more Austro-Hungarian than German divisions, I don't have the numbers on me, but it was something like 8 to 6 or so. On top of that, Boroević's 1st and 2nd Isonzo Armee (both ex 5th Army) were south of 14th Army, but they were not used for the breakthrough. Saying Caporetto was 'entirely German' breakthrough is like saying Piave front was only established by French and British divisions, because Italians would continue running all the way to Sicily. And I've spoken to you enough by now, Leonard, to know your opinion on this story. Buuuuut, I do realise the comment is 2 weeks old, and I know you know better by now ;).
Lol Manny, if I saw history as you see it, I'd claim all the job at Caporetto was done by the Italians. They were the one that "threw down arms in solid defences and ran home". Easy. 13 Austro-Hungarian divisions took part in 12th Battle, along with 7 German. Saying Germans did all the job is like saying the advance was only stopped on Piave because of French and British help. If you are going to be ignorant, be ignorant constantly. Italian army did not fail for 3 years and then magically change over a night to win lol.
The battle was a two-pronged attack, from Bovec and Tolmin, that would meet at Kobarid. To aid this, additional attacks were inbetween the two in centre. This was all carried out by 14th German Army, which was "German" only by the name and was made of both German and Austro-Hungarian units (ratio 10 to 7 in favour of Austrian division). Not counting reserves, which apparently you assume don't contribute to battles, this army was divided into four Groups, all but one having at least one German or Austrian division, thus being mixed. There were 5 Austrian and 7 German divisions altogether. This means 5 Austrian divisions were in reserve and 5 opening the attack. So if they were "mainly" in reserve, they were also "mainly" in the first waves, as the numbers are equal. Northern attack through Bovec basin was thus mostly an Austrian affair, but attack from a bridghead at Tolmin was mostly German affair, you are correct. On top of that, there the 3 division from Boroevic's Army group that took part in the attack, which apparently "don't count" and on top of that several other supporting attacks that also "don't count" and were all carried out by Austrian troops. So yes, if you only look at one part of the attack and put no importance to anything else that happened, then you are right and this is a German attack. And if you look at battles on Piave, while ignoring everything but what Italy did, there's no wonder you come to a conclusion where Italian army somehow majestically beaten Austria-Hungary out of the ether, while at the same time completely ignoring the fact that for a whole year the frontline established itself not at Isonzo, but at Piave and on top of that, from the two offensives that were started on that same front, only one was Italian. A look into how much Italian offensive was successful because "magically" Italian army became "stronk" over night and what impact all other events had is of course something that needs more time and space. And it obviously can not be done where you outright state Allied contributions were "nothing". Alas, if it makes you feel any better - yes, you can twist facts to make it assume Italians were only defeated because they were running like hell from the might of German army, while Austrians did nothing. But one begs to ask why didn't Italians break through Austrian lines if they were so bad at waging war.
Luigi Cadorna: *lays out plans for the Isonzo River* Rest of staff: "You want to-" *rubs bridge of nose* "You want to attempt the exact same assault for the 9th time?"
My great grandfather was one of the Empire soldiers who got a steel helmet that day, he soon after was knocked down by a ricochet bullet that hit the helmet, it saved his life.
The near totality of the comments here focus on the incompetence of Cadorna, and on that alone. Well I want to express my admiration for the extraordinary courage and sense of duty shown - once again - by the Italian soldiers - officers and ranks. Hats off to you, unfortunate heroes, and to your by no means less courageous Austro-Hungarian opponents!
One wonders what the families of Italian soldiers from central Italy and from points further south really felt about using up so many lives to gain territories which were as remote and alien to them as the Welsh Marches would have been to someone from Denmark.
Dear Great War Team, Thank you once again for your fantastic work - I watch every episode as soon as it is uploaded :) One niggle with this episode: at 6:59, are you sure that is a photo of Zhukov? I may be mistaken, but the guy on the photo looks a lot more like General Vasili Chuikov, who commanded the 62nd Army in the defence of Stalingrad. Maybe check that again? Please take this as constructive criticism - I absolutely love your show!
Yes, more maps ! I love having more maps in the episodes, makes it so much more readable, because saying a bunch of maps makes it difficult to really evaluate the situation, here it is precise, and much better with maps ! :D
I just wanted to leave this here: A translation of the slovenian poem by Simon Gregorčič who died in 1906 called Soči (to the river Soča (Isonzo) ). It eerily propecizes the battles of Isonzo front. You are splendid, limpid daughter of the heights, You are graceful in your natural beauty, When your transparent depths Are not disturbed by the Wrath of darksome storms, You are splendid, limpid daughter of the heights! Your course is lively and gentle Like the walk of highland girls, You are serene as the mountain air, You are loud as the vigorous Chant of the highland youth - You are splendid, daughter of the heights. I like to look into your lively waves, These green-blue waves; The dark green of highland grass And the cheerful azure of the heights Have flown together with delight; From the dew of the blue skies, From the dew of green mountains, You have drunk your beauty - You are splendid, daughter of the heights. You are my most dear friend! When you rustle down from mountain woodlands You seem a messenger from home, Carrying plenty of dear greetings - May God welcome you amidst the plains! … How dearly and loudly you murmur, How stalwartly and soundly you bound When you still flow through the mountains! But when you clatter down to the flatlands, Why do you lose your lively joy? Why do you flow tiredly and slowly, Why are your voices sad? Is it hard to part from the mountain range, The cradle of your waves? Do you know you are passing by the graves, The graves of Slovene homeland? A double grief you suffer here! In this grief, mournful and sluggish, You seem like a big tear to me; But even as tear - splendid! You are splendid, limpid daughter of the heights, You are graceful in your natural beauty, When your transparent depths Are not disturbed by the Wrath of raging storms! But, alas, my poor child, A dreadful storm, a horrible storm Is threatening you; It will storm in from the warm south, It will rage through the fertile plain Nourished by your waters - Woe!, that day is not far. A clear arch will stretch above you, Around you a hail of lead, Rain of blood and streams of tears, Lightning and thunder - oh, stifling battle! Bitter steel will strike upon these lands, And you will flow full of blood: Our blood will nourish you, The enemy’s will muddy you! Remember then, limpid Soca, The commands of your fervid heart: All the waters stored In the clouds of your skies, All the waters in your highlands, All the waters of your blossoming plains, Rush it all up at once, Rise up, froth in a dreadful stream! Do not confine yourself within the banks, Rise wrathfully over the defences, And drawn the foreigners ravenous for land To the bottom of your foaming waves!
You are welcome Anders @Quinlan Actually it hides metaphors for the Slovenian people in the poem, calling to them to break free from the chains of oppression of their overlords. Its the times where the idea of modern independent Slovenia was born.
Wars are always easier fought in hindsight. Even van hotzendorf worked with what info he had. Communication with the front did not exist. I have a hard time judging these men.. we really don’t know what things were like back toen.
Luigi Cardona must love his plan, or hate making plans. as he has reused the same plan so many times, It´s begining to look like a joke from Blackadder
It's also the lack of alternatives along the Alpine border. The Isonzo need to be crossed, there really weren't any other ways into Austria. But yes, Cadorna throwing his men at the Austrians again and again is getting ridiculous.
I did some research on emperor Frans Jozef. Apparently he died on november 21st 1916. It must have had an impact on austro-hungarian morale. I'm pretty excited for your video of that week. You guys always do a great, detailed job.
+hello. I am stalin the British had unrestricted naval warfare on all German shipping. But that's none of my business. "Drinks tea while victors rewrite history"
I absolutely love how at the end the screen minimized to the side. I'm quite pleased with the video editing, very flush and professional. great work keep it up boys!
Great episode guys, I just love following your show. But I was wondering if you guys will ever do an episode on Bosnian units and how Bosnians viewed the war since they filled Austro-Hungarian ranks and had a special place in the army. Keep up the good work!
+Amar Arnaut Two problems here: Available images with a clear license and available English sources. If those get cleared, we will gladly do an episode.
Yes, the Bosniaks were one of the most visually impressive units of the war. Images may be an issue with you there, I have researched the Bosniaks and it isnt easy to find many picture sources. In terms of an English source, I would highly recommend Verlag Militaria's (Vienna) book on the Bosniaks "The Emperors Bosniaks" (2008), its the authority among historians/ reenactors on the Bosnian units. Expensive, though if you wish I could try and dupicate my book?
Michéal Ó hAodha Thanks for the sources, that would definitely help us enough for an episode. You have my email address right? Let's discuss this further.
Hi Flo, yes I have your email already. You may recall that we have spoken already this year about various Austrian projects. I shall also reach out to the guys in my research group and see what we can do for you. Regards, Michael Hayes, Ireland
Hi The Great War! Awesome show!!!! Just a nerdy remark here, the picture at 6’59 isn’t joukov, i believe it’s actually Koniev... could be wrong of course. Doesn’t remove the fact that this channel is #1 for me on UA-cam!!!
This is probably a bit nitpicky, but I think the image at 6:59 is Vasily Chuikov, not Georgy Zhukov. He was also a notable leader at Stalingrad, but at a lower tactical level, while Zhukov was an operational planner. Great Work guys, love that you mentioned my favorite Marshal!
i have family in 'the Carso' and spend a lot of time there, as a child. I still remember the amount of bullets,bombs, bajonets and even complete skeletons that where found when a new house was build. Even after a fierce rain fall large amounts of WW1 stuff emerge to the surface 80 plus years after these battles. Inconceivable how much shots there have been fired in those few years. .
" No matter what your history teacher told you - this was not going to end well for anyone " - after this lockdown I will have to ask my ex-soviet co-workers how this was portrayed back in the USSR of the '70s
Mr Neidell must have the easiest job in the world writing the manuscpt for these episodes. "This week Cadorna launched the xth battle of isonzo bla bla bringing up even more artillery than last time bla bla austrian machine gun positions not destroyed bla bla heavy casualties for little or no gain..."
Great channel. A small note: Svetozar Borojevic was a Serb from the so-called Military Frontier ( Vojna krajina), which belonged to the Habsburg Monarchy. Today it is Croatia. All the best in further work.
Question for OOTT: Did the soldiers in the trenches ever use some kind of ear protection? If so, what kind? It must've so been deafeningly loud with all the artillery and gunfire around the soldier's heads, I figure it might even have made it practically impossibe to communicate and coordinate an offensive action.
Great episode. Your comment on Ludwig Wittgenstein and his financial donation to the Austrian treasury reminded me of a Last Will & Testament dated 1914 (June if I recall correctly) that I obtained a copy of for someone who was researching his ancestors from the Duchy of Anhalt. One bequest stood out - it was for 25,000 German Gold Marks to be given to the German soldier who killed the first enemy combatant in the looming war. Whether or not this bequest was ever fulfilled did not appear in the records I obtained. I've never heard of a bequest such as this before and wondered how common this sort of thing was?
Great episode as always! One minor nitpick - at 7.00, when you are talking about Georgiy Zhukov, I am pretty sure that the picture is of Vasily Chuikov, who commanded the troops inside Stalingrad itself.
one week Indy be like "the tragedy if the war blah blah blah" and the next week he is like "herro wercum to out of the trenches with anger and snake" lol
Loving the graphics! The parallax of the photographs is a gorgeous touch and the audio is excellent (also Indy you are as fantastic as always). I wanted to ask how higher-ups in the military eventually changed from trench warfare to more modern tactics that we see in WW2? I hope it isn't beyond the scope of the channel as it's interesting since it seems after over 2 years of trench warfare, no one has thought analytically on how to overcome trench warfare.
When you tought you had a tough week, and you realise what General von Bojna situation is : Being under Hotzendorf... while being beaten by Luigi Cadorna.
But he sooo close. You can't be wrong if you are always so close...and maybe he can find some brave men able to break through if he sends enough in the trenches of the K.u.K.
Well that's not the definition of insanity but it popularized to be because Einstein said that quote, and he did that decades AFTER the first world war so.. well, even if the quote were true Luigi could not have herd it because it has not yet been said.
Just wanted to point out that there is a slight echo you can hear when Indy speaks, but other than that, this episode was just as awesome as the others!
Been watching this channel week in and week out for a few years now and after learning that there was still a 9th battle led by Luigi it made me think. Who were the most tenacious Generals and Units during the war? Also, who were the most cunning and intelligent of them? How close did we get to a Himmler-esque general in WW1? A few questions for outta da trechis, love the work you do Indy n Flo n Team! (Or you could actually make this into a special xD)
I read some interesting facts in 100 years old newspaper about shortage in Austria-Hungary. On this days in 1916, candles were forbidden to light in the graves during All Saints' Day because of shortage. Also there were days in week when meat was forbidden to eat. Local government controlled it and if they caught somebody eating meat they gave him big fine or sent him to jail. People had to return coins because of lack of metals and government released paper banknotes instead of coins.
Soči Krasna si, bistra hči planin, Brdka v prirodni si lepoti, ko ti prozornih globočin nevihte temne srd ne moti - krasna si, hči planin! Tvoj tek je živ in je legak ko hod deklet s planine; in jasna si ko gorski zrak in glasna si, kot spev krepak planinske je mladine - krasna si, hči planin! Rad gledam ti v valove bodre, valove te zelenomodre: temna zelen planinskih trav in vedra višnjevost višav lepo se v njih je zlila; na rosah sinjega neba, na rosah zelenih gora lepoto to si pila - krasna si, hči planin! Ti meni si predraga znanka! Ko z gorskih prišumiš dobrav, od doma se mi zdiš poslanka, nesoča mnog mi ljub pozdrav - Bog sprimi te tu sred planjav!... Kako glasno, ljubo šumljaš, kako čvrsto, krepko skakljaš, ko sred gora še pot imaš! A ko pridereš na ravnine, zakaj te živa radost mine? Kaj trudno lezeš in počasi, zakaj so tožni tvoji glasi? Težko se ločiš od hribov, zibelke tvojega valovja? Mar veš, da tečeš tik grobov, grobov slovenskega domovja? Obojno bol pač tu trpiš, V tej boli tožna in počasna, ogromna solza se mi zdiš, a še kot solza - krasna! Krasna si, bistra hči planin, Brdka v prirodni si lepoti, ko ti prozornih globočin nevihte divje srd ne moti! Pa oh, siroti tebi žuga vihar grozán, vihar strašán; prihrumel z gorkega bo juga, divjal čez plodno bo ravan, ki tvoja jo napaja struga - gorjé, da daleč ni ta dan! Nad tabo jasen bo obok, krog tebe pa svinčena toča in dež krvav in solz potok in blisk in grom - oh, bitva vroča! Tod sekla bridka bodo jekla, in ti mi boš krvava tekla: kri naša te pojila bo, sovražna te kalila bo! Takrat se spomni, bistra Soča, kar gorko ti srce naroča: Kar bode shranjenih voda v oblakih tvojega neba, kar vode v tvojih bo planinah, kar bode v cvetnih je ravninah, tačas pridrvi vse na dan, narasti, vzkipi v tok strašán! Ne stiskaj v meje se bregov, srdita čez branove stopi, ter tujce, zemlje lačne, vtopi Na dno razpenjenih valov! [Na zemlji tvoji tujcev tropi naj ne dobódo ni - gróbov!] Soči or To Isonzo river is a poem of slovenian poet and priest Simon Gregorčič (1844-1906), it is a patriotic poem written in 1879 as in response to establishment of Italia irredenta in 1878 (“unredeemed Italy”) which sought to unite all lands with italian population (of course with no regards to other people living there). It's prophetic in regard to ww1. An english excerpt: … How beautiful you are, lucid daughter of the mountains, so graceful in your natural beauty, your diaphanous depths are not troubled by the tempests rage! Yet, alas, you poor one, Fearful tempests, terrible storms are threatening you. From the warm south they will come raging across your fertile plains. Alas, not long away is that day. Clear sky above you, hail of bullets around you, and rain of blood and stream of tears, thunder and lightning. Swords will cut here, blood will run knee deep, our blood will feed you, enemy blood will spoil you! ... It is better in slovenian, some things are lost in translation. Also the language is a bit arhaic and more poetic in slovenian then in english.
Finally caught up; been "binge watching" this show for around 2 months now. I have a question that I hope you guys can clear up for me. I ran across something quite some time ago that said when helmets were first issued to the British troops, they were almost recalled because when the officers back at headquarters read the reports on the dead and wounded, they noticed a sharp increase in head wounds. Those reports only recorded the fact that you were dead, not what you specifically died of; yet they would note what kind of injury you had if only wounded. It was only after it was shown that those wounded men would have been on the Dead list if they had not had a helmet that the recall order was canceled. I would like to know if this actually happened or if it is just a somewhat plausible story. You guys are doing an absolutely awesome job of unraveling the social, political, and military Furball that is World War 1.
Hi Great War, have you ever thought about showing the occupied territory when previewing the map of Europe? Also I recently saw a channel about tunnel warfare on the TV, was this a common aspect of fighting or scouting or whatever happening on the western front, what would subterranean warfare look like? Love the Show!
I think the men photographed on 7:00 is not Zhukov but Vasily Chuikov commander of the 62th Army during the Batlle of Stalingrad. But i could be wrong.
I keep wondering if Indy has watched the 90s series "The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones", in which WWI played a big role. Historical accuracy was spotty at best of course. (especially in later episodes) But it still gave an interesting first look into the Trenches and overall action of the war for teenaged me.
Luigi Cadorna: " I've got a great new plan for a surprise offensive. If we attack in the exact same spot like we did the other 8 times it will catch the Austrians off guard. They will never see it coming."
September 1916 marks my grandmothers 100th birthday. She was somehow immaculately conceived while my great-grandfather was supposed to be at the Izonso front, doing what Cadorna told him. The Holy Ghost must have been hanging out in the hayloft during 1915, cos family history has it, my great-grandmother went up there with food at some point every day. Kept at it until the end of the war, when her husband miraculously showed up. Years later, after both 1st and 2nd WWs had ended, great-gramps and one comrade were both rewarded medals of bravery for being the only survivors out of their regiment. I never met him irl, but my mom says he laughed his ass off about that medal. His advice is passed on through the generations to this day: If you see a war, run the other way. Never mentioned anything about some asshat named Cadorna. Good on you, great-gramps.
OMG Finally some info about Georgy Zhukov in WW1, I cant find any info about him other than that he was posted to a cavalry unit. Where did you guys find this?
Cadorna has a regular customer card. 10 Battles of the Isonzo purchased, one free.
Cadorna was a Khorne worshipper, just look at those dead eyes.
"Khorne cares not from whence the blood flows, only that it flows" - Cadorna, probably
Duke of attention seeking
Extra Credits
Duke of Lorraine
Luigi Cadorna, winner of the award for unyielding single-mindedness.
Cadorna vs von Hotzendorf. Pity they couldn't just give these two a sabre and a horse and let them fight it out between them while everyone else watched.
Condor Boss both would have fell down from their horses and broke their necks before being able to meet each other
***** Actually, I'd be worried about the poor horses.
Condor Boss It would have ended in a draw as neither would be able to secure a victory...
Ari Takalo it would take them 4 years just to mount their horses.
Quickly the battle would turn against both of them, making them strategically retreat. They would wait for too long before attacking each other, leading to another strategic retreat.
"If you don't succeed at first try try again" I think that Cadorna is taking it too literally.
sean brandreth he would probably get along well with Haig
True,
If at first you don't succeed declare you have anyway and dismiss anyone who dares say otherwise.
@@fien111like china said about Vietnam
@@jacobnugent8159
More like what the americans said about vietnam, since to this day, they still don’t accept that they lost the war with vietnam.
"Grab em' by the Isonzo" - Luigi Cadorna (1916)
Razamataz Productions I have a great Battle Plan, all the generals say I have the best Battle Plan. 500 of them endorse my plan, more than ever before. They say it's the best plan they ever saw. - Luigi Cadorna (1916)
Razamataz Productions I want to upvote your comment but the likes are at 69 and that's a pretty good number for that particular comment, lol 😂
The most useless job in WW1: Gathering intelligence for Luigi Candorna's plans...
P.S. The map and photos graphics are improving!
+V. Athanasiou Thanks to our fan's support!
Dear Great War I like your channel and I like your improvedes but please we don t have names of the passes in German is Turnu Rosu not Torsbourg
Yep. A few more grand and they'll be as good as Hearts of Iron 3
+V. Athanasiou verdun needs an Italian front. nice in the Alps.
+RARES ANDREI It was not Romania back then. So, we're not using the Romanian names. We are always trying to use the names from that time.
I was playing a WW1 mod in Hearts of Iron and it was quite historical regarding Conrad's stupidity. Austria lost the war because Hotzendorf sent 3/4 of the army to Africa while a montenegrian armored car captured Viena, Budapest, Zagreb and Praha.
Wish this happened in real life so Indy would talk about it
Well, Montenegrins would've been to lazy to drive all way to Praha.
Dude isn't that mod due to enter open beta on 11 November? Or you are referring to the HoI 3 one?
That picture of yours is masterful I was fooled. Well played
fuck you, i thought i had a fly on my screen
your fly is soooooooo real :)))))))))))
Cadorna's grand strategy can be accurately described as as "Repedetly headbutting a wall until it collapses. It is the only conceivable way to break the wall."
yes, if by headbutting a wall you mean sending countless of men dying because of his stuborness and stupidity...
XJevoX you'd think the guy would take the hint
+gcircle same strat in ww2 . Except this time they ran into tanks instead of a wall
To be honest that’s everyone’s strategy in WW1 except for probably Germany in the initial war against Russia.
The italian battle plan: continue with total slaughter until everyone's dead except Luigi Cadorna, lady Cadorna and their tortoise Alan
Alano. Which is Alsatian in italian.
Alano the ninja turtle who single handedly broke through the austrian lines at the 14th battle of the isonzo river
Stefan T May his little green mud-splattered shell never crack!
Stefan T Correction, the 84th battle of the Isonzo
+Tom J the AH can take a lot of shelling but this shell they cannot crack. The history of armoured warfare takes a new turn.
At the ninth battle of Isonzo, my true love gave to me Nine mad Capellos, Eight Luigi Cadornas, Seven muddy trenches, Six new corps, fiiive golden guns, four rainy days, three wintry days, two heads of lice, and Benito Mussolini!
This is my new fav. xmas song:)
+Janos Jalics
We must get this work of art to the top, comrades!
indeed. someday I'll need to make a video of this.
lmao
Bravo.
the phrase "six battallions of crack Italians" is incredibly fun to say.
OfficialChrissums Lel
InsanoBinLooney wut?
The NINTH battle of the Isonzo??? At what point do you start considering your commander more dangerous than the enemy themselves?
SWAT Paintball Wait another year
Isn't the Definition of Insanity "repeating the same thing over & over again but expecting a different result"?
+SWAT Paintball when they try the Tenth?
TheEmoSyndicate 11th
Just wait for the rest, pretty sure there was like 11 or 12 battles there lol
Legend has it that there is still fighting at Isonzo.
This show is why I love Thursdays
OllieSportsHD I actually hate Thursdays, but this show makes it way better for me.
You know tactics are nuts when after the introduction you actually check wether you're watching an old episode or not
Here after playing Isonzo and hearing Indy’s dulcet tones in the intro video, loved it!
At this point I don't thing you need any intelligente to know where Cadorna is gonna attack next
He will attack here another three times.
Snafu That will be my favorite day of the year
It was an Austro-German offensive and Austria-Hungary did not 'beg' for help, the talks of joint Austro-German offensives were always on the table. Firstly at the outbreak of the war with Italy, then with that 'Straffexpedition' of Conrad's, then since November 1916 for yet another one. During the 11th Battle, Austro-German offensive was already decided on, which is why the Emperor and Boroevic have fallen back on Banjšice.
It's hard to say 11th Battle was any kind of victory for the Italians and it certainly was not 'great'. It did bring the attrition to the highest level so far. The 7-some kilometers advance on Banjšice (sorry, in this example I really can't use the Italian version 'Bainsizza', it just twists my minds) looks great on the map, but it changed little in reality - that is, unless there was to be another Italian offensive.
Further more, von Bellow (German general)'s '14th German Army', which carried out the offensive had more Austro-Hungarian than German divisions, I don't have the numbers on me, but it was something like 8 to 6 or so. On top of that, Boroević's 1st and 2nd Isonzo Armee (both ex 5th Army) were south of 14th Army, but they were not used for the breakthrough.
Saying Caporetto was 'entirely German' breakthrough is like saying Piave front was only established by French and British divisions, because Italians would continue running all the way to Sicily. And I've spoken to you enough by now, Leonard, to know your opinion on this story.
Buuuuut, I do realise the comment is 2 weeks old, and I know you know better by now ;).
Lol Manny, if I saw history as you see it, I'd claim all the job at Caporetto was done by the Italians. They were the one that "threw down arms in solid defences and ran home". Easy.
13 Austro-Hungarian divisions took part in 12th Battle, along with 7 German. Saying Germans did all the job is like saying the advance was only stopped on Piave because of French and British help.
If you are going to be ignorant, be ignorant constantly. Italian army did not fail for 3 years and then magically change over a night to win lol.
The battle was a two-pronged attack, from Bovec and Tolmin, that would meet at Kobarid. To aid this, additional attacks were inbetween the two in centre. This was all carried out by 14th German Army, which was "German" only by the name and was made of both German and Austro-Hungarian units (ratio 10 to 7 in favour of Austrian division). Not counting reserves, which apparently you assume don't contribute to battles, this army was divided into four Groups, all but one having at least one German or Austrian division, thus being mixed. There were 5 Austrian and 7 German divisions altogether.
This means 5 Austrian divisions were in reserve and 5 opening the attack. So if they were "mainly" in reserve, they were also "mainly" in the first waves, as the numbers are equal.
Northern attack through Bovec basin was thus mostly an Austrian affair, but attack from a bridghead at Tolmin was mostly German affair, you are correct.
On top of that, there the 3 division from Boroevic's Army group that took part in the attack, which apparently "don't count" and on top of that several other supporting attacks that also "don't count" and were all carried out by Austrian troops.
So yes, if you only look at one part of the attack and put no importance to anything else that happened, then you are right and this is a German attack.
And if you look at battles on Piave, while ignoring everything but what Italy did, there's no wonder you come to a conclusion where Italian army somehow majestically beaten Austria-Hungary out of the ether, while at the same time completely ignoring the fact that for a whole year the frontline established itself not at Isonzo, but at Piave and on top of that, from the two offensives that were started on that same front, only one was Italian.
A look into how much Italian offensive was successful because "magically" Italian army became "stronk" over night and what impact all other events had is of course something that needs more time and space. And it obviously can not be done where you outright state Allied contributions were "nothing".
Alas, if it makes you feel any better - yes, you can twist facts to make it assume Italians were only defeated because they were running like hell from the might of German army, while Austrians did nothing. But one begs to ask why didn't Italians break through Austrian lines if they were so bad at waging war.
Luigi Cadorna: *lays out plans for the Isonzo River*
Rest of staff: "You want to-" *rubs bridge of nose* "You want to attempt the exact same assault for the 9th time?"
I can't imagine an much easy job than the job of the Austria-Hungary Intelligence service trying to predict the next Cardona offensive.
"Sir, we're heading into a black hole!"
"Same speed ahead !" - Zapp Brannigan, errr Luigi Cadorna ?
My great grandfather was one of the Empire soldiers who got a steel helmet that day, he soon after was knocked down by a ricochet bullet that hit the helmet, it saved his life.
"I'm Indy Neidell, and this is the Battle of the Isonzo Show. I mean, The Great War."
The near totality of the comments here focus on the incompetence of Cadorna, and on that alone.
Well I want to express my admiration for the extraordinary courage and sense of duty shown - once again -
by the Italian soldiers - officers and ranks. Hats off to you, unfortunate heroes, and to your by no means less courageous Austro-Hungarian opponents!
One wonders what the families of Italian soldiers from central Italy and from points further south really felt about using up so many lives to gain territories which were as remote and alien to them as the Welsh Marches would have been to someone from Denmark.
@@dpeaseheadThey were Italians. Did English thought about fighting for something do remote? The Americans?
This series of battles baffles me. Even in the context of a war full of baffling occurrences.
Keep 'em coming Indy!
Dear Great War Team,
Thank you once again for your fantastic work - I watch every episode as soon as it is uploaded :)
One niggle with this episode: at 6:59, are you sure that is a photo of Zhukov? I may be mistaken, but the guy on the photo looks a lot more like General Vasili Chuikov, who commanded the 62nd Army in the defence of Stalingrad.
Maybe check that again?
Please take this as constructive criticism - I absolutely love your show!
+Ufthak1 Well, it could of course be that our archives mix the two up. We are, after all, ww1 experts.
Isonzo River is the gift that keeps on giving...
Yes, more maps ! I love having more maps in the episodes, makes it so much more readable, because saying a bunch of maps makes it difficult to really evaluate the situation, here it is precise, and much better with maps ! :D
Cadorna attended the sir general Antony Cecil Melchett school of infantry warfare
m1994a3jagnew MYEH HELLO BLACKADDEH
The Great War and there was an excessive amount of partying
m1994a3jagnew AND POOH POOHS
k k oh those things? I tend to ignore them. Oh I'm George by the way. George Armstrong Custer.
m1994a3jagnew I think you showed up to the wrong war, George. Lol
I just wanted to leave this here:
A translation of the slovenian poem by Simon Gregorčič who died in 1906 called Soči (to the river Soča (Isonzo) ). It eerily propecizes the battles of Isonzo front.
You are splendid, limpid daughter of the heights,
You are graceful in your natural beauty,
When your transparent depths
Are not disturbed by the
Wrath of darksome storms,
You are splendid, limpid daughter of the heights!
Your course is lively and gentle
Like the walk of highland girls,
You are serene as the mountain air,
You are loud as the vigorous
Chant of the highland youth -
You are splendid, daughter of the heights.
I like to look into your lively waves,
These green-blue waves;
The dark green of highland grass
And the cheerful azure of the heights
Have flown together with delight;
From the dew of the blue skies,
From the dew of green mountains,
You have drunk your beauty -
You are splendid, daughter of the heights.
You are my most dear friend!
When you rustle down from mountain woodlands
You seem a messenger from home,
Carrying plenty of dear greetings -
May God welcome you amidst the plains! …
How dearly and loudly you murmur,
How stalwartly and soundly you bound
When you still flow through the mountains!
But when you clatter down to the flatlands,
Why do you lose your lively joy?
Why do you flow tiredly and slowly,
Why are your voices sad?
Is it hard to part from the mountain range,
The cradle of your waves?
Do you know you are passing by the graves,
The graves of Slovene homeland?
A double grief you suffer here!
In this grief, mournful and sluggish,
You seem like a big tear to me;
But even as tear - splendid!
You are splendid, limpid daughter of the heights,
You are graceful in your natural beauty,
When your transparent depths
Are not disturbed by the
Wrath of raging storms!
But, alas, my poor child,
A dreadful storm, a horrible storm
Is threatening you;
It will storm in from the warm south,
It will rage through the fertile plain
Nourished by your waters -
Woe!, that day is not far.
A clear arch will stretch above you,
Around you a hail of lead,
Rain of blood and streams of tears,
Lightning and thunder - oh, stifling battle!
Bitter steel will strike upon these lands,
And you will flow full of blood:
Our blood will nourish you,
The enemy’s will muddy you!
Remember then, limpid Soca,
The commands of your fervid heart:
All the waters stored
In the clouds of your skies,
All the waters in your highlands,
All the waters of your blossoming plains,
Rush it all up at once,
Rise up, froth in a dreadful stream!
Do not confine yourself within the banks,
Rise wrathfully over the defences,
And drawn the foreigners ravenous for land
To the bottom of your foaming waves!
+BloodRaven awesome
BloodRaven awesome poem, thanks for sharing
The coincidence is amazing, but "sadly" it is just a coincidence. It is an amazing poem, was always my favourite in school.
You are welcome Anders
@Quinlan
Actually it hides metaphors for the Slovenian people in the poem, calling to them to break free from the chains of oppression of their overlords. Its the times where the idea of modern independent Slovenia was born.
The battles at isonzo are getting to a comedic level at this point with how many are being launched
These videos are wonderful. Thanks for making them and keep up the great work 👌🏻
Luigi Cadorna really has to be the worst general of WW1
Tech Showdown him or his main rival hotzendork
Syohei Harr
Please dont forget Sir Douglas Haig. It's always fascinating to hear his plans because theyre so far from reality
Tech Showdown respect the competition
Tech Showdown yes but in the end Italy won 💪🏻🇮🇹❤️
Wars are always easier fought in hindsight. Even van hotzendorf worked with what info he had. Communication with the front did not exist. I have a hard time judging these men.. we really don’t know what things were like back toen.
Luigi Cardona must love his plan, or hate making plans. as he has reused the same plan so many times, It´s begining to look like a joke from Blackadder
It must be like the last offensive of Blackadder goes forth over and over again. Wonder if he actually had an italian version of cpt blackadder.
Blackadder -"its the same plan we used last time and the 17 times before that"
general Melchett - "exactly, its what they are least expecting."
It's also the lack of alternatives along the Alpine border. The Isonzo need to be crossed, there really weren't any other ways into Austria. But yes, Cadorna throwing his men at the Austrians again and again is getting ridiculous.
Jonathan Luoto
even if the where is kind of fixed, the how and When, it must be a Alternative for them.
To be fair they were on a narrow front.
I did some research on emperor Frans Jozef. Apparently he died on november 21st 1916. It must have had an impact on austro-hungarian morale. I'm pretty excited for your video of that week. You guys always do a great, detailed job.
XassassinX Are you joking? I hope you're joking...
They blamed it on a Serb assassination and went to war against them....
oops, wrong guy
Indeed! In my opinion the death of Franz Joseph was the last naill in Austria-Hungary's coffin.
+XassassinX Russia will leave the war in 1917.
Germany allows unlimkted warfare
America declares war on central army
bulgarian army collapses 1918.
+hello. I am stalin the British had unrestricted naval warfare on all German shipping. But that's none of my business. "Drinks tea while victors rewrite history"
This show is truly amazing!! Thanks so much Indy and the team for making my evenings much more interested :)
I'm a simple italian, I see a ww1 video about italian, I leave (once again) like
I can't believe it. I watched it all this week :D Really enjoying this. Thanks for the hard work to make this so interesting!
I feel like you can’t truly appreciate this war without looking at it week by week like this
I absolutely love how at the end the screen minimized to the side. I'm quite pleased with the video editing, very flush and professional. great work keep it up boys!
Great episode guys, I just love following your show. But I was wondering if you guys will ever do an episode on Bosnian units and how Bosnians viewed the war since they filled Austro-Hungarian ranks and had a special place in the army. Keep up the good work!
+Amar Arnaut Two problems here: Available images with a clear license and available English sources. If those get cleared, we will gladly do an episode.
Yes, the Bosniaks were one of the most visually impressive units of the war. Images may be an issue with you there, I have researched the Bosniaks and it isnt easy to find many picture sources. In terms of an English source, I would highly recommend Verlag Militaria's (Vienna) book on the Bosniaks "The Emperors Bosniaks" (2008), its the authority among historians/ reenactors on the Bosnian units. Expensive, though if you wish I could try and dupicate my book?
Some images here though be careful to get the owners permission
www.austro-hungarian-army.co.uk/bosnians.html
Michéal Ó hAodha Thanks for the sources, that would definitely help us enough for an episode. You have my email address right? Let's discuss this further.
Hi Flo, yes I have your email already. You may recall that we have spoken already this year about various Austrian projects. I shall also reach out to the guys in my research group and see what we can do for you. Regards, Michael Hayes, Ireland
Great show!
no doubt one of the most interesting channels on youtube! top quality videos, thank you!
+valzerna thanks!
This show has it's humor :)) The battles of the Isonzo River will always remain with me !!
Indy: "...Italian Chief of Staff Luigi Cadorna..."
Me: (groan) "What now?"
Well, another battle of the Isonzo, what else?
Very good job!
Hey Great War Team, nice music/ sound effect around the 4'00 mark. Ganz gut!
Hi The Great War! Awesome show!!!! Just a nerdy remark here, the picture at 6’59 isn’t joukov, i believe it’s actually Koniev... could be wrong of course. Doesn’t remove the fact that this channel is #1 for me on UA-cam!!!
This is probably a bit nitpicky, but I think the image at 6:59 is Vasily Chuikov, not Georgy Zhukov. He was also a notable leader at Stalingrad, but at a lower tactical level, while Zhukov was an operational planner.
Great Work guys, love that you mentioned my favorite Marshal!
Love the format and idea of this series! You've gotten yourself a subscriber!
+Chantz Kouveras welcome to the show
i have family in 'the Carso' and spend a lot of time there, as a child. I still remember the amount of bullets,bombs, bajonets and even complete skeletons that where found when a new house was build. Even after a fierce rain fall large amounts of WW1 stuff emerge to the surface 80 plus years after these battles. Inconceivable how much shots there have been fired in those few years. .
0:20 - ROTFL
The cadorna bits are like those little snippets of humour you find in a serious movie!
So far vid look great! Good Work!
I like that sidenote about philosophers are being mentioned!!
" No matter what your history teacher told you - this was not going to end well for anyone " - after this lockdown I will have to ask my ex-soviet co-workers how this was portrayed back in the USSR of the '70s
Mr Neidell must have the easiest job in the world writing the manuscpt for these episodes. "This week Cadorna launched the xth battle of isonzo bla bla bringing up even more artillery than last time bla bla austrian machine gun positions not destroyed bla bla heavy casualties for little or no gain..."
He uses the same script, just changes the date.
and also "next day the attack was repeated with even more disastrous result"
The Great War week 189 "This week ends with 78th battle of Isonzo River still raging strong..."
''Heavy casualties on both sides but no breakthrough, Luigi is murdered.''
Great channel. A small note: Svetozar Borojevic was a Serb from the so-called Military Frontier ( Vojna krajina), which belonged to the Habsburg Monarchy. Today it is Croatia. All the best in further work.
Question for OOTT: Did the soldiers in the trenches ever use some kind of ear protection? If so, what kind? It must've so been deafeningly loud with all the artillery and gunfire around the soldier's heads, I figure it might even have made it practically impossibe to communicate and coordinate an offensive action.
Great episode. Your comment on Ludwig Wittgenstein and his financial donation to the Austrian treasury reminded me of a Last Will & Testament dated 1914 (June if I recall correctly) that I obtained a copy of for someone who was researching his ancestors from the Duchy of Anhalt. One bequest stood out - it was for 25,000 German Gold Marks to be given to the German soldier who killed the first enemy combatant in the looming war. Whether or not this bequest was ever fulfilled did not appear in the records I obtained. I've never heard of a bequest such as this before and wondered how common this sort of thing was?
Cadorna and Hotzendorf - those guys really worth each other. XD
Great episode as always!
One minor nitpick - at 7.00, when you are talking about Georgiy Zhukov, I am pretty sure that the picture is of Vasily Chuikov, who commanded the troops inside Stalingrad itself.
I love these transitions at the end
0:21 The Lewis gun has no magazine!
Cadorna never fails to fail.
one week Indy be like "the tragedy if the war blah blah blah" and the next week he is like "herro wercum to out of the trenches with anger and snake" lol
+Michael S It's all the shellshock
Lel
Loving the graphics! The parallax of the photographs is a gorgeous touch and the audio is excellent (also Indy you are as fantastic as always). I wanted to ask how higher-ups in the military eventually changed from trench warfare to more modern tactics that we see in WW2? I hope it isn't beyond the scope of the channel as it's interesting since it seems after over 2 years of trench warfare, no one has thought analytically on how to overcome trench warfare.
+Joe Hesketh You will have to wait another two years for the answer. But it will be on our show.
The Great War alright, I'll be sat in the chair of patience if you need me!
I think good old Luigi Cadorna deserves a special episode! ;)
PS at 6:59 I don't think it's Zhukov, probably he is Chuikov ;)
Thanks Indy!
When you tought you had a tough week, and you realise what General von Bojna situation is :
Being under Hotzendorf... while being beaten by Luigi Cadorna.
Compatibility Madness Legend!
Luigi Cadorna: "You know-a what they say-a, ninth time is the-a charm."
Love your show. You NEED to make a shirt with Luigi Cadorna saying "another one"
There will be another 12 battles of the Isonzo till the Christmas.
But by Christmas it will be over, right? RIGHT?
13th time's the charm! hehe....
and if the 13th time fails, well the 14th will surely succed
Oh, thirteen will be a resounding success. Just not the kind of success Cadorna would be happy with ;).
"The definition of insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting a different result." Albert Einstein.
Hey just wanted to say I appreciate the little animation at ~9 minutes
+Hume Spike thanks!
Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result? Seems Luigi never heard that one.
But he sooo close. You can't be wrong if you are always so close...and maybe he can find some brave men able to break through if he sends enough in the trenches of the K.u.K.
J M that what i though such hubris
Well that's not the definition of insanity but it popularized to be because Einstein said that quote, and he did that decades AFTER the first world war so.. well, even if the quote were true Luigi could not have herd it because it has not yet been said.
J M Probably because that's not actually the definition of insanity.
Did i already tell you the definition of insanity?
Just wanted to point out that there is a slight echo you can hear when Indy speaks, but other than that, this episode was just as awesome as the others!
+_battle we haven't finished the sound proofing yet.
Been watching this channel week in and week out for a few years now and after learning that there was still a 9th battle led by Luigi it made me think. Who were the most tenacious Generals and Units during the war? Also, who were the most cunning and intelligent of them? How close did we get to a Himmler-esque general in WW1? A few questions for outta da trechis, love the work you do Indy n Flo n Team! (Or you could actually make this into a special xD)
I read some interesting facts in 100 years old newspaper about shortage in Austria-Hungary. On this days in 1916, candles were forbidden to light in the graves during All Saints' Day because of shortage. Also there were days in week when meat was forbidden to eat. Local government controlled it and if they caught somebody eating meat they gave him big fine or sent him to jail. People had to return coins because of lack of metals and government released paper banknotes instead of coins.
real the 9th battle of th isonzo river you would think thers a lake of blood now.
Actually Isonzo means blood in Italian. It doesn't, but at this point it might as well
Soči
Krasna si, bistra hči planin,
Brdka v prirodni si lepoti,
ko ti prozornih globočin
nevihte temne srd ne moti -
krasna si, hči planin!
Tvoj tek je živ in je legak
ko hod deklet s planine;
in jasna si ko gorski zrak
in glasna si, kot spev krepak
planinske je mladine -
krasna si, hči planin!
Rad gledam ti v valove bodre,
valove te zelenomodre:
temna zelen planinskih trav
in vedra višnjevost višav
lepo se v njih je zlila;
na rosah sinjega neba,
na rosah zelenih gora
lepoto to si pila -
krasna si, hči planin!
Ti meni si predraga znanka!
Ko z gorskih prišumiš dobrav,
od doma se mi zdiš poslanka,
nesoča mnog mi ljub pozdrav -
Bog sprimi te tu sred planjav!...
Kako glasno, ljubo šumljaš,
kako čvrsto, krepko skakljaš,
ko sred gora še pot imaš!
A ko pridereš na ravnine,
zakaj te živa radost mine?
Kaj trudno lezeš in počasi,
zakaj so tožni tvoji glasi?
Težko se ločiš od hribov,
zibelke tvojega valovja?
Mar veš, da tečeš tik grobov,
grobov slovenskega domovja?
Obojno bol pač tu trpiš,
V tej boli tožna in počasna,
ogromna solza se mi zdiš,
a še kot solza - krasna!
Krasna si, bistra hči planin,
Brdka v prirodni si lepoti,
ko ti prozornih globočin
nevihte divje srd ne moti!
Pa oh, siroti tebi žuga
vihar grozán, vihar strašán;
prihrumel z gorkega bo juga,
divjal čez plodno bo ravan,
ki tvoja jo napaja struga -
gorjé, da daleč ni ta dan!
Nad tabo jasen bo obok,
krog tebe pa svinčena toča
in dež krvav in solz potok
in blisk in grom - oh, bitva vroča!
Tod sekla bridka bodo jekla,
in ti mi boš krvava tekla:
kri naša te pojila bo,
sovražna te kalila bo!
Takrat se spomni, bistra Soča,
kar gorko ti srce naroča:
Kar bode shranjenih voda
v oblakih tvojega neba,
kar vode v tvojih bo planinah,
kar bode v cvetnih je ravninah,
tačas pridrvi vse na dan,
narasti, vzkipi v tok strašán!
Ne stiskaj v meje se bregov,
srdita čez branove stopi,
ter tujce, zemlje lačne, vtopi
Na dno razpenjenih valov!
[Na zemlji tvoji tujcev tropi
naj ne dobódo ni - gróbov!]
Soči or To Isonzo river is a poem of slovenian poet and priest Simon Gregorčič (1844-1906), it is a patriotic poem written in 1879 as in response to establishment of Italia irredenta in 1878 (“unredeemed Italy”) which sought to unite all lands with italian population (of course with no regards to other people living there). It's prophetic in regard to ww1.
An english excerpt:
… How beautiful you are, lucid daughter of the mountains,
so graceful in your natural beauty,
your diaphanous depths are not troubled by the tempests rage!
Yet, alas, you poor one,
Fearful tempests, terrible storms are threatening you.
From the warm south they will come
raging across your fertile plains.
Alas, not long away is that day.
Clear sky above you,
hail of bullets around you,
and rain of blood and stream of tears,
thunder and lightning.
Swords will cut here,
blood will run knee deep,
our blood will feed you,
enemy blood will spoil you! ...
It is better in slovenian, some things are lost in translation. Also the language is a bit arhaic and more poetic in slovenian then in english.
Respect for captain Peter Rouge and his battalion they saved the day and the whole front bravely
Oh Luigi. I really thought you would have given up at the Isonzo but apparently you thought nine was the magic number!
9:23 I dunno, ask Switzerland :)
Finally caught up; been "binge watching" this show for around 2 months now. I have a question that I hope you guys can clear up for me. I ran across something quite some time ago that said when helmets were first issued to the British troops, they were almost recalled because when the officers back at headquarters read the reports on the dead and wounded, they noticed a sharp increase in head wounds. Those reports only recorded the fact that you were dead, not what you specifically died of; yet they would note what kind of injury you had if only wounded. It was only after it was shown that those wounded men would have been on the Dead list if they had not had a helmet that the recall order was canceled. I would like to know if this actually happened or if it is just a somewhat plausible story. You guys are doing an absolutely awesome job of unraveling the social, political, and military Furball that is World War 1.
Hi Great War, have you ever thought about showing the occupied territory when previewing the map of Europe? Also I recently saw a channel about tunnel warfare on the TV, was this a common aspect of fighting or scouting or whatever happening on the western front, what would subterranean warfare look like? Love the Show!
I think the men photographed on 7:00 is not Zhukov but Vasily Chuikov commander of the 62th Army during the Batlle of Stalingrad. But i could be wrong.
I keep wondering if Indy has watched the 90s series "The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones", in which WWI played a big role. Historical accuracy was spotty at best of course. (especially in later episodes) But it still gave an interesting first look into the Trenches and overall action of the war for teenaged me.
Shocked Indy wasn't up for favorite UA-cam host at the peoples choice, so I wrote him in.
That voice break at the start though! 😂😂
With such an impressive carreer you guys havo to do a 'Who did what in ww1' on Georgy Zhukov!
Anyway, interesting episode as always.
Admirabile Cadorna 😅
At this point Hollywood is complaining there are too many sequels of the Isonzo Front.
Luigi Cadorna: " I've got a great new plan for a surprise offensive. If we attack in the exact same spot like we did the other 8 times it will catch the Austrians off guard. They will never see it coming."
Every time he talks about Greece as a staging ground, I hear Jack White.
September 1916 marks my grandmothers 100th birthday. She was somehow immaculately conceived while my great-grandfather was supposed to be at the Izonso front, doing what Cadorna told him.
The Holy Ghost must have been hanging out in the hayloft during 1915, cos family history has it, my great-grandmother went up there with food at some point every day. Kept at it until the end of the war, when her husband miraculously showed up.
Years later, after both 1st and 2nd WWs had ended, great-gramps and one comrade were both rewarded medals of bravery for being the only survivors out of their regiment.
I never met him irl, but my mom says he laughed his ass off about that medal.
His advice is passed on through the generations to this day: If you see a war, run the other way.
Never mentioned anything about some asshat named Cadorna.
Good on you, great-gramps.
Marlon Brando would have been perfect to play Zhukov in his biopic.
Is anyone else playing the hell out of Battlefield 1 right now? Is it just me or do the Italians always win. In every game mode.
How extensive was the geological damage? Were new rivers created? Mountains leveled? Forests burned to never regrow?
So, did Boehme and Boelcke each get one last kill added to their totals, or did they have to split that one?
This seems worryingly like Blackadder, 'Doing the same thing we've done 17 times before, it's the last thing they'll be expecting'
just dam the river at this point, sheesh.
OMG Finally some info about Georgy Zhukov in WW1, I cant find any info about him other than that he was posted to a cavalry unit. Where did you guys find this?
my teacher said Ok we are studying ww1 has anyone study this before and I said I've been studying for 2 and a half years
Did you drop your mic and leave the room?
Maybe