FRIGHTFUL HAVOC BY ITALIAN GUNNERS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2523, 31 July 1915, Page 5

FRIGHTFUL HAVOC BY ITALIAN GUNNERS

7 AUSTRIANS CAUGHT IN CROSS-FIRE . MOWED DOWN BY DOZENS "By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. July 30, 9.20 p.m.) Rome, July 30. During the second phase of the Supreme Austrian counter-offensive against the bridgehead at Sacrado on Juty 22 the onemy's columns suddenly found themselves under a terrific cross-lire from the Italian field batteries. Men could plainly be seen being mowed down in dozens, and for one tremendous hour the Austrian? were unable to go either forwards or backwards, but stood, living and motionless targets, for the Italian gunners. The blood-curdling scene only ended when one thousand of the survivors had sigualled their surrender, ■ ITALIAN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. ; (Rec. July 30, 9.50 p.m.) Romo, July 30, Official.—"Wo have made marked progress in the Cordesole Valley. "The enemy advanced in force in the Padola Valley, but were repulsed. "Our artillery wrecked another cupola at Fort Henscl. "The enemy deployed in great forces on tho Carso Plateau, supported by a violent artillery fire, and attempted to advance, but were driven back, suffering great losses. . • _ "Prisoners state that the defeated troops had just arrived on tho scene. One regiment of 'Austrian Alpinists was almost annihilated. "Our advance continues slowly. "AVe have taken prisoners 1485 on tho Carso Heights during Tuesday and Wednesday."

AUSTRIAN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. (Rec. July 30, 9.20 p.m.) _ • Amsterdam, Juiy 30. An 'Austrian, official communique states: "The Italians unsuccessfully attacked the edge of the plateau near Xdraussina aud Vermegliano. "Tho enemy has'evacuated his position before the bridgehead at Gorizia, and retreated to tho position occupied prior to tho battle. -"We annihilated an Italian company in the region of Tofana."-