Third Battle of the Isonzo

Background

After a two-and-a-half-month break to recover from the first two battles, Italian commander Luigi Cadorna boosted his artillery to 1,250 guns, having learned its value. His troops also got Adrian Helmets, which helped sometimes but mostly didn't.

The plan was to seize Austro-Hungarian positions at Bovec, Tolmin, and possibly Gorizia. Cadorna spread his forces evenly along the Soča River, a mistake the Austro-Hungarians used to focus their own fire. The specific targets were Sabotin and Mount San Michele.

Battle

Heavy attacks and counterattacks occurred on the plateau near San Michele between the Italian Third Army and Austro-Hungarian reinforcements under Svetozar Boroević, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Austro-Hungarians held their positions due to their low profile, despite casualties dwarfed by Italian losses.

Criticism of Luigi Cadorna

Despite his reputation and background, Cadorna faced criticism for Italian failures in World War I. His poor leadership contributed to many desertions. Only during this battle did he consider troop sizes and firepower. Concentrating attacks in small areas allowed Austro-Hungarian defenders to repel new assaults. Terrain features prevented Italian numerical superiority from achieving success on the battlefield.

Did You Know?

• The battle is named after the Soča River, which flows through a mountainous region and had frequently flooded banks, making large-scale military operations difficult.
• Cadorna launched the Fourth Battle of the Isonzo a week later, but the Italians did not gain ground at Gorizia until the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo.