Capture of Col Moschin

The Capture of Col Moschin was a feat of arms included in the Second Battle of the Piave River (or Battle of the Solstice), an episode of the First World War.

Background
At the start of the Battle of the Solstice on 15 June 1918, General Viktor von Scheuchenstuel’s XI Austro-Hungarian Army attacked the Italian positions in the Grappa sector, aiming to break through into the Veneto plain. The first assault by the 27th Division pushed back the Italian IX Army Corps, capturing several key strongpoints on the Brenta line, including Col di Miglio, Moschin, Fagheron, Fenilon, Palazzo Negri, Casa dei Pastori and Ca’ dei Briganti. Although the Italians faced a serious threat, the Austro-Hungarian troops were also exhausted and unable to exploit their gains further. To halt their advance and strike before they could reorganize, the Italian command ordered Major Giovanni Messe’s IX Assault Unit and the 91st and 92nd Infantry Regiments of the “Basilicata” Brigade to counterattack toward Col del Gallo.
Battle
First Phase
At 2 p.m. on 15 June, the IX Reparto began its attack, supported by the 1st Battalion of Lieutenant Colonel Tomassetti under the 91st Regiment. The 1st Company, led by Captain Pinca, captured Palazzo Negri, Casa dei Pastori and Ca’ dei Briganti, then took the redoubt on height 1318, though its commander was killed. At the same time, the 2nd Company of Captain Zancanaro advanced toward Col Fagheron, defeating the Austrian defenders in close combat, seizing the summit and forcing the remaining enemy to retreat into nearby caves and woods, where they were finally overcome with flamethrowers. The first phase of the assault lasted about fifteen minutes, after which the Arditi regrouped in the captured positions, strengthened their left flank with the 1st Battalion and prepared for the second phase of the operation.
Second Phase
After patrols from Messe’s unit confirmed strong Austrian forces on the Fenilon and Moschin hills, a second attack was planned with support from the II Battalion of Lieutenant Colonel Moni under the 92nd Regiment. Between 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., the II Battalion opened heavy artillery fire, and at 9:00 p.m. the IX Reparto, supported by elements of the I Battalion and the 91st Regiment’s assault platoon, advanced through thick fog to capture Col Fenilon after an hour of hard fighting, taking about 85 prisoners. The “Basilicata” Brigade then ordered an attack on Col Moschin, and at 7:00 a.m. on 16 June the Arditi of the IX Reparto, joined by the II Battalion, launched the assault despite artillery fire falling behind schedule. After a steep ten-minute climb and another ten minutes of combat, they seized the summit, inflicted heavy losses, and captured between 250 and 300 prisoners, along with 17 machine guns, a mountain gun, two previously lost Italian batteries, and other equipment. The IX Reparto then handed the position to the II Battalion and withdrew to reserve positions behind Quota 1918.

 References 

Category:1918 in Europe
Category:20th century in Hungary
Category:1910s in Austria
Category:1910s in Italy
Category:Battles of World War I
Category:Battles involving Italy
Category:Battles involving Germany