ITALIANS CAPTURE COMMANDING MOUNTAIN POSITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16283, 17 July 1916, Page 6

ITALIANS CAPTURE COMMANDING MOUNTAIN POSITION

SUMMIT BLOWN UP BY POWERFUL MINE EXPLOSION. ENEMY'S COUNTER-ATTACK COMPLETELY BREAKS DOWN. msh. Commissioner's Cabled Message. LONDON. July 14. An Italian communique says: "We beat off an enemy counterattack at Mount Maib. On the Sette Plateau there has been heavy fighting. " On Tuesday, in the Tofana region, at the northern extremitv of the Venetian Alps, we exploded a powerful mine, entirely blowing up positions on the Castelletto summit, eastward of the peak Col dei Bois. This commands the road to the Dolmites, and its capture gives entire possession of the Austrian force occupying the trenches in that position. The summit is buried in wreckage. " Last night the enemy made an attempt to regain the lost position, which we had strongly fortified. The attempt completely broke down, the enemy losing heavily."

AUSTRIAN VERSIONS OF RECENT ENGAGEMENTS.

INCIDENTS OF RUSSIAN AND ITALIAN CAMPAIGNS.

Anatolian »nd N.Z. Cable. CReceivfc 7 p.m.) LONDON. July 15. An Austrian communique says: " Two Russian attacks at Buczacz were beaten off, but the third attack succeeded in piercing our lines. The enemy was completely driven back on the left bank of the Stochod. I

"South-west of Moldavia we repulsed the Russian advance. Kghting near Delatyn is increasing in intensity. We repulsed enemy detachments who penetrated the town, and frustrated an attack south of Delatyn.

* There is intense activity between Brenta and Adige. Ten Italian attacks between Cimadieci and Mont Arasta were repulsed with loss, and our positions were maintained. We repulsed a strong Italian attack against Borcola Pass.