Introducing: Adamello
We’re headed for the highest battlefield featured in Isonzo so far, where Italian Alpini regiments launched a large-scale assault on the Presena Glacier held by Austro-Hungarian forces. While the positions of Zigolon and Marocarro were captured quite swiftly, the fortified position at Cima Presena proved to be more difficult.
Austro-Hungarian defenses.The Italians ended up shelling Cima Presena extensively to soften it up for a simultaneous attack from both Zigolon and Maracarro. The Austro-Hungarian garrison was decimated by the artillery. Surprised by the assault that followed, they surrendered to the Italians, severely shaken and exhausted.
However, they were not just fighting each other. The environment and harsh snow storms at 3000m altitude were a force to be reckoned with and could make or – more commonly – break, an attack. During winter, fighting was simply impossible.
Heavy snow at Marocarro.The Adamello map focuses on the Marocarro sector and the push for Cima Presena from the north. Today, we’ll show you the first half: the advance for Marocarro!
The lay of the land
Italian starting position with reference.Right as the Italian attackers kick off their advance, they’ll be able to pick between three distinct routes. From their point of view, the left side of the map is an open, snow-covered area. You can follow the snowy trenches to guide you to the B objective of the first sector. You’ll need the cover as well, as you’re vulnerable from most angles – especially from above.
Leftmost route near Objective B.The middle route is a bit of a climb away from the leftmost route, halfway up the mountain ridge. While similar to the left route, the terrain is steeper and there are several connections leading to the ridge and the third route. It leads to Objective A, from where you can shoot down towards Objective B.
In between left route and middle route, defenders' POV.The rightmost route is perhaps the most interesting. Right on the other side of the ridge is a narrow path, allowing for flanking maneuvers aided by the cover provided by rock formations. It’s not all sunshine however, as this side route merges with the middle route at the A objective and the defenders are well prepared for sneaky Italians. Also, be sure to watch your step – a tiny slip up can be a quick one-way ticket to a respawn point.
The ridge route.Regardless of the route, vision is severely limited by the stormy weather. While the slope provides little cover aside from the two trenches, it’s difficult to accurately hit long-range shots.
Sector #1: Maroccaro Sector
As the Italians make their way to the first sector across wire barriers, the Austro-Hungarians have dug themselves into the snowy slope.
Objective A is a small supply hub on the ridge, with various storage huts and some sleeping spots connected to the cable lift used to get supplies up the mountain. The Italians will have to capture this key area before advancing.
Objective A.Objective B is entrenched in the snow some way down the slope of the mountain. Between the attackers and the cable lift stands a maze of frozen trenches. In the middle, there’s a Feldhaubitze the Italians are all too eager to destroy.
Objective B.What happens on Adamello after the first sector is captured, we’ll save for part 2!
Join us next time at Cima Presena!
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