There were 12 battles fought along the Isonzo front between Italy and Austria-Hungary from 1915 to 1917. The first 11 battles were initiated by Italy, while the 12th and final battle, known as the Battle of Caporetto, was a decisive victory for Austria-Hungary and Germany achieved through the use of gas bombs and infiltration tactics. Over 885 days, the battles shifted control of territory along the Isonzo River between the warring forces before a final peace returned to the region.

1. On the Isonzo front
Matevž Prinčič
The Italian front 1915 - 1917

2. The first fights started in the evening of 23 May 1915.
There were 12 battles. The first 11 had been started by
the Italian army, only the last by the Austro-Hungarian
empire and Germany.
Italian Alpini troops Gorizia (left) and the destroyed
bridge over the Isonzo

3. • The first battle of the Isonzo (23 June – 7 July 1915)
• The second battle of the Isonzo (18 July – 10 August 1915)
• The third battle of the Isonzo (18 October – 4 November 1915)
• The fourth battle of the Isonzo (10 November – 2 December 1915)
• The fifth Battle of the Isonzo (9 March – 17 March 1916)

4. • The sixth battle of the Isonzo (6 August – 17 August 1916)
The Italian army took Sabotin over. As the Italians were stronger
than the Austrians they got the city of Gorizia (Gorica) and the
Austrians backed out.
• The sevnth battle of the Isonzo (14 September – 17 September 1916)
• The eighth battle of the Isonzo (10 October – 12 October 1916)
• The ninth Battle of the Isonzo (1 November – 4 November 1916)
• The tenth Battle of the Isonzo (12 May–8 June 1917)
• The eleventh Battle of the Isonzo (19 August–12 September 1917)

5. • The Battle of Caporetto (The twelfth battle of the Isonzo)
(24 October–7 November 1917)
On 24 October at the 2.00 in the morning, there was a fearce attack of
the German and AH armies on the Italians. They used gass bombs and
infiltration tactics of infantry and mortars. The Italians could stop them
on the river Piava, where they reiceved help from other units.
Finally, all of the 12 battles of the Isonzo were terminated and after 885 days
peace came to the Isonzo river again. Many Slovene soliders fought
on the front and they felt they were defending their territory.
Battle of Caporetto
Starting
positions
Final
Positions