Iron Walls/Transcript

Excerpt
'The final chapter of the fierce fighting in 1918 between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy. Battles raged across mountains, rivers and rugged coastlines, among fortresses and trenches, at the top of the world and at the surface of the sea. Like the Western Front, the frontlines stretched across vast areas of northern Italy, areas recently claimed by Austria-Hungary. Italy prepared for the final battles to reclaim their lost lands.'

Introduction
Italian Soldier: (in Italian) We will never forget the shame that our defeat at Caporetto brought to this country. Today we have a chance to ease that pain by reclaiming those lands that we lost to the Habsburg invaders. So pray for me, mother. Pray for the Kingdom of Italy.

Briefing
VENETIAN ALPS 1918

Italian Officer: Orders from General Dio, soldados. Three objectives. First, the Church of San Rocco must be taken. After this, we move immediately through the Valle Di Seren. Then, with this momentum, we must move on and reclaim the great Fortress Ferro over here. This will cut the entire Austro-Hungarian army in two, allowing us to finish them by the coast.

Victory
Italian Officer: Yes, soldade! We've broken through and captured the fortress. Our cries of victory will be heard across all of Europe. We will now join our forces on the Adriatic Coast for the final push.

Narrator/Announcer: The Italian victory in the mountains meant that the Austro-Hungarian line was breached and its armies divided. Subsequently, the fighting moved south towards the Adriatic Coast, where the empire forces were determined to put up one last fight.

Introduction
Austro-Hungarian Soldier: (in German) This morning I saw an eagle soaring above the mountain. I could not help thinking it was our Imperial Eagle showing us the true height of our ambitions and ideals, it was majestic, it was glorious. From up there, it can surely see the Italians. Like that bird of prey we will soon be picking them off, one by one.

Briefing
VENETIAN ALPS 1918

Austro-Hungarian Officer: Soldaden, the Italians are upon us. We must hold the Church of San Rocco. If we are overcome, fall back to our second line in the Valley of Seren. Should we lose the pass, do not despair. We will retreat to our fortress. There, we will win. Be bold, men, the empire unites us!

Defeat
Austro-Hungarian Officer: We have lost the fortress, and more fallen fortresses appear in the Dolomites. We've been ordered to join the defenses on the coast, where we will have a better chance of defending our glorious empire.

The Narrator/Announcer will say the same lines as they do when the Italian Empire achieves victory on this map.

Introduction
Italian Soldier: (in Italian) Massimo. We are now moving to new positions on the coast. Great armored cars moving side-by-side with rows of men. Modern times indeed. This victory will be decisive. The final step to unify the Kingdom of Italy. Onwards, brother.

Briefing
ADRIATIC COAST 1918

Italian Officer: Brothers, the retreating imperial forces are once more rooting themselves in our beloved kingdom. We must move quickly. Secure Hill 201 immediately. Then, swiftly take the old Castello at the top of this hill. Finally, we must capture the heavily defended fortress protecting the seafront. Do this, and our war is won.

Victory
Italian Officer: Fantastico, fratelli! Revel in your freedom and gaze upon this land of ours, the Kingdom of Italy! Our sacrificio is an example to the entire world.

Narrator/Announcer: The Italian victory, known as the "Vittorio Veneto", brought an end to the war in the Italian front and resulted in the complete collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This also meant the war on the Western Front would soon come to an end.

Introduction
Austro-Hungarian Soldier: (in German) There is nothing shameful in defeat. We fought like lions but they were stronger. At the coast we will fight like lions again. For we have sworn to defend the honor of the Empire. And, we men of honor stand by our word.

Briefing
ADRIATIC COAST 1918

Austro-Hungarian Officer: Soldaden, they are upon us again, attacking our last defenses. This hill will be their first target. Should they somehow defeat us here, then we must fall back to the old Castello and never relinquish it. If we lose the Castello, then we have no choice but to retreat to our last fortress above the sea. There, none shall pass!

Victory
Austro-Hungarian Officer: This triumph will be a turning point. Imperial forces all over Europe will hear of our victory and shout out the name of the emperor! We are an inspiration, brothers! This is a historic day.

Narrator/Announcer: One can only speculate what an Austro-Hungarian victory would have meant for the future of Europe. It is possible success could have united the crumbling empire, allowing the Habsburgs to keep control of their countries, races, and ethnicities for at least a few months longer.