ed by the fact that the
preponderance of numbers was unquestionably on the Italian and not the
Austrian side. This confidence found expression in an order of the day
issued at this junction by King Victor Emmanuel in which he says:

"Soldiers of land and sea: Responding with enthusiasm to the appeal of
the country a year ago, you hastened to fight, in conjunction with our
brave allies, our hereditary enemy and assure the realization of our
national claims.

"After having surmounted difficulties of every nature, you have fought
in a hundred combats and won, for you have the ideal of Italy in your
heart. But the country again asks of you new efforts and more
sacrifices.

"I do not doubt that you will know how to give new proofs of bravery
and force of mind. The country, proud and grateful, sustains you in
your arduous task by its fervent affections, its calm demeanor and
its admirable confidence.

"I sincerely hope that fortune will accompany us in future battles, as
you accompany my constant thoughts."

Still further Austrian successes were reported on May 24, 1916. In the
Sugana Valley they occupied the Salubio Ridge and drove the Italians
from Kempel Mountain.

In the Lagarina Valley, after an intense night bombardment, Austrian
forces attacked twice toward Serravalle and Col di Buole, but were
vigorously repulsed. Next morning the attack on Col di Buole was
renewed with fresh troops, but again repulsed with heavy loss. Italian
troops followed up this repulse and reoccupied the height of Darmeson,
southeast of Col di Buole.

Between the Val d'Assa and Posina the Austrians, after having kept
Italian positions at Pasubio under violent bombardment, launched a
night attack with strong columns of infantry, which were mowed down by
Italian fire and thrown back in disorder. Between Posina and the
Astico the Austrians unmasked their heavy artillery along the Monte
Maggio-Toraro line, but Italian guns replied effectively.

On May 25, 1916, the Austro-Hungarians occupied the Cima Cista,
crossed the Maso rivulet and entered Strigno in the Val Sugana, four
miles northeast of Borgo and a little less than that distance
southeast of Salubio, with the Maso stream between. They also captured
the Corno di Campo Verde to the east of Grigno, on the Italian border
and occupied Chiesa on the Vallarsa Plateau, southwest of Pasubio.

CHAPTER XXXIV

THE RISE AND FAILURE OF THE AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN DRIVE

By May 26, 1916, the