Chapter 336: Reclaiming Trient
The Italians were dug within their fortifications having fallen back past their initial gains at the border of Trient. The territory was large and vast in size. Or at least relatively so with the resources currently at their disposal.
Perhaps in anticipation that the Germans, Russi and Austro-Hungarians would be descending upon them like a tidal wave of steel. They wisely adopted the policy of abandoning all the territory they had seized during the Winter Offensive of 1914, and instead consolidate their position in an area that was more advantageous for defensive warfare.
The Allies had to admit, without the winter to cover their advance, and the carelessness of the Austro-Hungarian Army on Christmas day of 1914, they would have never broken through the fortifications the Central Powers had built in the region.
To put it simply, they were hoping these defenses would allow them to halt the German advance in Italy. Sacrificing a pawn to protect the King so to speak. There was just one problem with this mentality. Bruno’s companies had overseen the construction projects that build these massive border fortifications.
Not that the Italians were aware of this fact. And thus while they stood on watch, gazing over the sandbags and barbed wire which sat atop the steel reinforced concrete trenches, one of the men could not help but remark on how quiet things were.
"Normally by now the Germans would have attacked, no? So why is it that I hear no engines in the distance? Are we really just supposed to sit here and wait for their attack?
It is not like the man’s comrade did not understand this sentiment, as he was quick to respond with his own remarks regarding the issue.
"Man, I’m the same fucking rank as you. Do you honestly believe they tell me shit like that? Obviously, whatever the Generals have planned it is way above our pay grade. I swear to god you’re always-"
The man suddenly stopped as he stared in horror at his friend. A German soldier with a Stahl helm that was painted with camouflage and a Totenkopf that was decorated over it stood with his gas grenade in one gloved hand and a gas mask on his face.
Before the Italian soldier who had spotted him could even say anything, the German stormtrooper pulled the pin and tossed the device near their feet. Before disappearing into the shadows as if he were some kind of spectral entity.
The gas spread rapidly, too rapidly, and began to suffocate the Italian soldiers within the trench complex. Who struggled to hang on for dear life as they began to cough. But it was too late. Phosgene gas had begun through the air, and affect everybody inside.
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