Italy

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 42, 24 May 1916, Page 5

Italy

THE TYROL OFFENSIVE. I i I AUSTRIANS REPULSED WITH HEAVY LOSSES. t'KH t*KESH Rome, May 23. A communique states that a fierce enemy attack on the left bank of the Adige was repulsed with heavy enemy losses. j During the raid on Portogruars an 'enemy seaplane was brought down. A DEADLY STRUGGLE. London, May 23. | Austria’s offensive in the Tyrol was preceded by a tremendous artillery bombardment, extraordinary exertions being made for bringing up huge howitzers to the mountain passes of Rovercto. In the vicinity of the scene where the heaviest fighting took place, a hundred thousand Austrians were massed, and the attacks only succeeded at the bloodiest cost.

The first Italian lines at Zugnatorta occupied an important strategical position overlooking the main roads to Verona and Vincenza. Although General Cadorna was here, he had withdrawn Ids troops to rear positions, not expecting that the Austrians would be able to follow up in this most difficult country in order to threaten the main army on the Isonzo. It is confidently believed that General Cadorua’s fine generalship will make an effective counter-stroke at the proper moment. It is also believed that the offensive was politically inspired, in order to quell the widespread popular disaffection caused by the [shortage of food and high prices, as well as the depression which exists regarding the outcome of the war. Reports from Rome state that the • Italians are rallying splendidly } ami holding firmly on both wings. It is believed that 300,000 fresh troops, together with an enormous number of guns, are being brought up for the offensive.

The Austrians are continually at* tacking and freely using poison gases.

1 ITALIAN INFANTRY DRIVE ENEMY WITH GRENADES. AUSTRIANS HANG BACK IN THE HARNESS. UNFAVORABLE EFFECT OF VERDUN OFFENSIVE. AUSTRIAN DIVISIONS IN DANCER OF BEING CUT OFF. (Received 12.25 p.m.) Rome, May 23. The Daily Telegraph corre-spoude: it says that throughout Tuesday the Italians fought without their own artillery, driving forward the . Austrians v ith 'grenades, which'were, plainly seen m one sector exploding amongst the Austrian rear file ? who seemed disinclined to advance. . . ■ , The unfavorable results of the German offensive at Verdun is reacting on the Austrians’ spirits, and, moreover, the Italian artillery seriously damaged the Carniole-Trentino railway, j The Italians continue to advance in the western Trentino, whither the enemy despatched reinforcements, ieaiing the Italians’ progress may < lose the return route for nineteen Austrian divisions.