WITH THE ITALIANS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3316, 3 October 1917, Page 17

WITH THE ITALIANS.

Italian official messages state: Wo heavily repulsed an enemy counter-attack in the Marmolata region (in the Dolomite Alps, Eustern Trentino front). The enemy _ exploded a powerful mino under our position in tho Monte Nero region (near Tohnino), and concentrated their artillery on_ the scene; but our barrage prevented their infantry from advancing. We rectified the lino betvven Seladil and tho northern slopes of Monte San Gabrielle, and maintained the position, notwithstanding repeated counter-attacks. By a sudden attack wo improved our position on tho southeastern edge of tho Bainsizza Plateau, capturing high ground southward of Podlaka and south-eastward of Madoni. We took 49 officers and 1360 men prisoners. Wo maintained the positions against violent counterattacks. Enemy attempts to dislodge us between Selladif and Monto San Gabriello failed completely. The Agenzia Nationale says that the Austrian Emperor on September 15 ventured within 600 yards of tho Italian lines, with 10 motor cars carrying his staff. An Italian aviator espied them, and the Italian commander ordered an instant attack. The Italians captured the position where the EmperoT Karl had stood a few minutes previously. The Emperor and his suite escaped under a heavy machine-gun firo and en* trained for Vienna.