When the Austrian-Hungarian war was declared on May 24, 1915, the Italian armed forces had assigned the Dolomite sector to the IV brigade in order to reach Dobbiaco and Brunico in an attempt to isolate Trentino. For a series of unfortunate circumstances - lack of organization, poor coordination in the chain of command, supply delays - Italy missed the moment of opportunity when the enemy was unprepared, giving them time to reinforce their defences.
The first phase of the conflict saw attacks by Italian troops in the sectors of Costabella, Marmolada, Col di Lana, Val Parola - Lagazuoi – Tofane, as well as in the area of Monte Piana and the three peaks called Tre Cime di Lavaredo; it should be noted that, in contrast with other points that were considered strategic, in which attacks were carried out by smaller formations, on the Col di Lana the adopted strategy consisted of continuous waves of frontal attacks which sent thousands of men to their deaths with limited results.
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