Later it was made known that Italian squadrons of seaplanes in the course of a general reconnaissance, carried out by them along the west coast of Istria on October 16, succeeded in spite of unfavourable weather in successfully bombarding detached naval units near Rovigo, as well as military works at Rovigo and at Punta Salvore. At one point they became engaged in a fight with enemy aeroplanes, and damaged two of them, one of which was seen to fall into the sea. In spite of enemy artillery fire all the seaplanes returned safely to their bases. On the first day of the next month, Italian aviators engaged in numerous further air fights, in the course of which several enemy machines were driven down. On the same day fourteen Italian battle-planes, escorted by Nieuport chasers, bombarded with marked success the railway stations of Nabresina (coast railway, Gulf of Trieste), Dottogliano, and Scopo (on the Gorizia-Trieste Railway), on the Carso. The aviators were fired on by anti-aircraft guns and attacked by enemy aeroplanes, but all returned safely to the Italian lines. Again, on November 8, 1916, squadrons of Italian aircraft carried out an offensive reconnaissance on the enemy coast. Bombs were dropped with good results on the aviation station at Parenzo-Istria, and on craft used for military purposes in the harbour of Cittanuova. In spite of the violent fire of the anti-aircraft defences and of a counter-attack by enemy seaplanes, all the machines returned safely. Many battles in the air were fought during the days that followed, various enemy machines being driven down by the skilful Italian aviators. Amongst those who have earned special notice are Lieutenant D’Annunzio, the son of the poet; Second-Lieutenant Garros; Capitaine de Fregate Arturo Ciano; and Baron Mario de Bratti, of the old nobility, who lost his life while serving his country. His funeral was attended by all connected with the Italian Aviation Corps and the technical and constructional side of the science, from General-in-Command to mechanics and artificers, so widely was his loss felt. CHAPTER XXXII ENEMY ACTIVITY