1920 - The fall of Warsaw

I long have played with the idea to write a tl about this pod. And then LOTLOF came and used it. Since I guess we now can safely assume that his tl dead I decided to revive the idea. Especially in the beginning there will be some parallels, but only in some general ideas. One reason is simply that I disagree with some of his choices. The second is that of course I do not want to plagiarize his work. I did not reread it, so warn me if you think I do it. Related to that I am toying with the vague idea to publish it, should I ever finish it (a big IF).
Narration will somewhat show that dream. I decided to mostly focus on the German and to a smaller degree Polish view of things. And the recurring POV characters will be limited in number. Except those in high ranking position and some cameos I also decided to take mostly fictional POV characters, because that gives me more freedom in character design and development.
Said that feel free to critize and discuss everything about the tl, it can only result in a better final product. And now without further ado I give to you:

1920 - The Fall of Warsaw


August 25th 1920, Warsaw and surroundings
We did it, comrade komfronta! Warsaw belongs to us.“
With tired eyes Tukhachevsky looked up from the map table. His chief of staff grinned widely from the other side of the table. Slowly he nodded. Technically it was not entirely correct yet, but now it was only a question of time.
Looks like it. The worst should be over.“
The last days it had not been the case. After the continued advance he had not anticipated, that the Poles would start a counter offensive again. And they chose the perfect place for it. Had their advance been a little faster, had he moved his troops just a little bit slower, Piłsudski could have forced him into full retreat.
But a look at the map showed him, that the Polish marshal had lost his chance. The foray had been stopped and Schuvayev advanced north of Warsaw again. Yawning Tukhachevsky rubbed his face and smiled wearily.
In that case I can go to bed. I´ll leave the mopping-up to you.“



Crouched Porucznik Andrysowicz peeked out of his cover. Except the men with carrying the roll with the fuze all his men were under cover. Led by Sierżant Skłodowski those two hasted over the bridge keeping their head down. From the other bank an MG opened fire and a few Polish rifles responded. Left and right of the sprinting men bullets hit the ground. One of the men carrying the roll stumbled from a hit. Immediately the Sierżant grabbed him and pulled him into cover.The other one unwinded the fuze alone and slided into cover next to Andrysowicz.
A few metres down Skłodowski handed the wounded man to a medic, who began working on him hecticly. Then he ran across to him, again pursued by machine gun fire.
We attached all the charges, Panie Porucznik.”
Not a moment too early.”
While the sergeant attached the fuse to the detonator, Andrysowicz risked a last look. The flow of refugees across the Vistula had already ceased a while ago. Who now was still was on the other side, probably was hiding in some basement. His own company – what there was elft of it – had retreated to this bank a while ago as well. Thus the crouched men running towards the bridge had to be Russians. Quickly he ducked again and nodded at the Sierżant.
Drop the bridge again.”
Yes, Panie Poruczniku.”
The series of explosions which followed was not all that spectacular. They hadn´t had that much explosives anyway. But they had used them well. This bridge the Russians would not use for quite some time. If the other bridges across the Vistula looked the same the Polish might even be able to disengage from the Red Army. Though the question remained what that would gain.
 
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I wasn´t sure: can woe be used that way? I formed the second sentence in my head first in German, but in English it strikes me as rather odd.


August 28th 1920, Berlin
Grumbling Friedrich Ebert fumbled for the phone while sitting up.
„Woe, this is not important. Do you know what time it is?“
With his free hand he switched on his light to see the clock. Five in the morning!
„I am sorry Mr. President, but we now have the confirmation. Warsaw has fallen.“
„Thanks Seeckt. I will call a meeting for the whole cabinet, please prepare a presentation: Strategic situation, threats for us, counter measures, the full program. Can you have it ready for 7.30?“
„Of course, Herr Reichspräsident. The basics are there for quite some time and we continually updated it the last few days.“
„Fine. See you in two and a half hours.“
After he hung up Ebert paused for a moment. Finally he snorted and reached for his bathrobe. Now he wouldn´t sleep anyway. Just as well to get ready. But first he would arrange that he wasn´t the only one wakened too early. Again he reached for his phone.
„Günther, please inform all members of the cabinet currently in Berlin: I call a cabinet meeting for 7.30.“


About two and a half hours later he noticed with amusement, that compared to some members of the cabinet he was wide awake. Reichskanzler Fehrenbach stared absent-mindedly into his coffee, widely yawning all the time. Wilhelm Groener seemed completely fresh. Being an old soldier he probably was used to being awakened at every time of the night and day.
In the last minute Walter Simons, the foreign minister, hastened into the room and murmured an apology while taking his seat. At the same time Ebert rose and started without as much as a greeting.
„As you should have learned by now, I called this special meeting to talk about the situation in Poland. It was for some time in the making, but now it is official: Warsaw is occupied by the Red Army.” Against the expectations one or two people in the room hissed with surprise, but Ebert continued without interruption „I propose before we turn to the consequences for Germany General Seeckt should give us his estimate about the military situation in Poland as well as his opinion, how it develops from now on.“
With a nod towards the Chef der Heeresleitung he seated himself. Von Seeckt rose and stepped around a table toward a map of Poland his adjutants had put at the wall. In much detail he described the fightin in Poland. Finally he concluded with the words:
„By now resistance in Poland is definitely crumbling. To be honest I was surprised that the Polish army after the long retreat was able to counter attack at all. Even now a lot of units are retreating in order, but the coordination between the units is gone. It may take a few weeks until the Russians reach the border. A final pacification might even take years. But Poland is gone for good.“
When he fell silent the minister of the interior leaned forward: „Can we occupy Western Prussia befor Russia reaches it? I mean they are fighting continously since 1914, most of the time on their own soil. For sure they won´t be eager for another one.“
Before Seeckt could respond Groener in the background shook his head. „No way. We don´t have enough soldiers for everything they are needed for anyway. Such a step would provoke a guaranteed response. If it comes to war we may be able to keep the Russians behind the Oder. Holding Western Prussia? No chance in hell.“
„Behind the Oder? Do you think they will attack us directly? After all they have yet to swallow Poland? Won´t they look for an agreement with us at least until they have integrated Poland?“
 
Groener shrugged. „Normally I´d agree. The Russian logistics have to be a mess and their industry is probably no better. It was never all that great to begin with. And the Red army is short on equipment, especially heavy weapons. Good reasons to stop here. But their leadership believes in World Revolution and they have just beaten the Polish Army. Which, much as it may hurt has been a much stronger one than the Reichswehr.“


Seeckt nodded in agreement. „My opinion. We lack modern weapons just like the Russians, but on top of that we have far less men under arms. On top of that I anticipate uprisings from within once we clash with the Soviets. Upper Silesia will solve itself with the Polish state out of the consideration, but our local communists will see it as beginning of the World Revolution.“


Ebert grimaced. He had well noted the shift which had happened. Seeckt had not said if, he had said once Russia attacks. Him alone he would have discounted, for he had reasons enough, both in his personal world view and in the interest of the army, to say that. But Groener seemed to share the sentiment. Deliberately Ebert looked directly at the minister of traffic.


„So we have to anticipate to be at war with the Sovietunion in the near future? How do we compare to them?“


Groener hesitated a moment before answering glancing at the Chef der Heeresleitung. „With our official strength not well. I don´t know which hidden reserves we have. But even if those triple our strength, it could be tight. And if we use them...“


„...there is trouble with the victorious powers.“ Ebert turned to Kanzler Fehrenbach. As long as the discussion had been about the military side and Ebert, the official commander in chief, had been able to take control of the discussion, but it was Fehrenbachs cabinet, not his own. „We will need their agreement for rearmament.“


Grimacing the chancellor nodded. Clearly he did not look forward more to it than Ebert. Nor did the foreign minister when Fehrenbach turned to him. „Get together with the Reichswehr for a list of the concessions we need, Walter. Then assemble a delegation to get it from the Entente.“ Walter Simons nodded and started making notes while Fehrenbach continued. „I guess, Rathenau would be a good leader for it. He knows his way about armament problems and he is well regarded internationally. Start with London. They should be more responsive to our needs.“


Now that was an understatement worthy of the British. The French would oppose Germany until the Soviets stood at the Rhine. Or at least at the Elbe.
 

Faeelin

Banned
The Germans had actively agreed to partition Poland with the Soviets, and Gemran workers had gone on strikes to prevent weapons from reaching Poland. Won't everyone in the West blame Germany for Russia's victory, as opposed to saying "yea, rearmament?"
 
The Germans had actively agreed to partition Poland with the Soviets, and Gemran workers had gone on strikes to prevent weapons from reaching Poland. Won't everyone in the West blame Germany for Russia's victory, as opposed to saying "yea, rearmament?"
The German workers were not the only ones striking against Polish arms shipments. Czechoslovakian ones did so too and British ones at least threatened to do it. The talks between Germany and the USSR were not common knowledge. And they never went anywhere during the war. Indeed from what I learned the Soviet proposals got less and less attractive the closer they appeared to be to victory.
For those reasons I don´t think that Germany will get all the blame. That said indeed the easy and open way Germany rearmed in LOTLOFs tl was one of my main issues with it. I still think they will recognize the writing at the wall and attempt to get something. It will be more difficult though than in the other tl. Thus except some minor accomodations with the UK and Italy a lot will have to be very hidden until the shit really hits the fan.
 
Taking back territory lost at Versailles is out of the question (for now). A German move will be seen as aggression by the Entente. But any agressive move by the Russians would be a perfect justification for German rearmament.

What iommediately can be achieved is that Danzig could go back to Germany - without a Polish (non Soviet) state who needs a port its of "lesser" importance. Upper Silesia is still (IIRC) under allied(Entente) supervision and if no Polish (legitimate) state exists could wemain with Germany (for the time being - until Poland is reestablished ;))

With the Red army still being tied up in Poland - mopping up resistance the White forces in the Ukraine/Krim under Wrangell could even hold out a bit longer than OTL - so an immediate attack on Germany (if thats the course history follows ITTL) is not likely.

With the Soviets occupying Poland another traget is Czechoslovakia - which might be a wary partner for Germany on the diplomatic level (the Benes government was not benevolent vs. Germany/Austria, but with a Soviet army at the doorstep it might be seen as lesser evil to suppoert Germany (the same for Romania) - Basically NOT Germany is asking for Rearmament, but Russias neighbours are asking for it (Finland might view itself ans the next target , Baltics too - both are former Russian territory, so it might be Russias first goal...)

BTW I am glad a timeline with this POD is again done - will follow it :D
 

Tyr Anazasi

Banned
Danzig is a Free State but under the protection of the League of nations. One the League is no longer able or willing to protect the city, Germany can do so. Until then one should claim the city, but one should do nothing- yet.
 
Won´t comment on your observations yet Richter. Might be too close to spoilers. One minor thing already is shown in this post. Because thebacking for the Polish side breaks away, there is less pressure for accomodation and the 2nd uprising in Upper Silesia feathers out more slowly.

August 28th 1920, Upper Silesia

„There is the signal.“
A look out of the window told Werding, that Berger was right. At the bar on the other side of the street the men he had stationed there were getting their coats, while one paid the bill. Seemingly only enjoying a morning point they had a perfect view down the street. Them rising meant the Polish column had entered the street.
„Get ready.“ In truth an unnecessary order. Most of his men were veterans and had started checking their arms when Berger had called out. Quickly Werding checked his MP 18, grabbed a hand grenade and stepped to the front door. Berger and three of the other men took positions next to him while Brandt, the sniper, kneeled down next to the window.
„Now!“
As Brandt called Berger teared open the door, Werding ducked through it and threw the grenade directly through the first trucks window. The other men followed closely behind and threw grenades at the assigned targets. Two grenades each had targeted the trucks in the lead and rear, as Werding had wanted to be sure they would be destroyed, but that left only one grenade for the remaining two. The lead truck had been destroyed totally and the last one had been immobilized, but the angle had been worse and men were staggering from his bed, stunned but unharmed. The last grenade had ripped apart another truck bed and killed the men sitting there, but the men in its cabin were unharmed. Brandt nailed the driver. His next bullet missed as the co-driver ducked out of the truck. Meanwhile the last truck tried to manoeuvre out of ambush but was trapped between the others.
Instead the movement prevented the men on its back to get a stable firing position and Werdings first salvo downed most of them. The next burst took two more who had been quick witted enough to jump down. The third reacted too fast and rolled under the immobilized truck behind his own. A few shots forced Werding to take cover himself as the men from the rear truck now had organised themselves and returned fire. Some of them pinned down Werdings team while the remaining ones tried to flank him.
Not knowing about the team in the bar they used the trucks as cover. When that team went active and hit their open flank the attack quickly crumbled. One of them also killed the driver of the still moving truck. Resistance had been reduced to the few men hidden at the rear truck and Werding wanted to finish them up as well as any survivors among the ones out of action. But they needed to get away before either more Poles or the occupation powers arrived.


Two hours later all of his team had found the way back to base. Werding himself was stopped by the UvD.
„Commandant wants to speak you as soon as you are back, Herr Oberleutnant.“
A short check whether his clothing was at least half way in order. A bit dirty and no uniform. He grimaced. It still seemed dishonourable to fight out of uniform, but if that was necessary to keep his home German it would be done.
When he reached the office of the commander he was waved right into it.
„Oberleutnant Werding reporting as ordered.“
The major brusquely pointed at the chair in front of the desk. „Sit down. How did it go?“
„Like a clockwork, Herr Major. Everybody back, one lightly wounded. I estimate about two thirds of the hostiles out of action and three trucks are a total loss.“
„Very nice. Sadly it will be your last little trip for some time.“
„Herr Major?“
„Sorry, but it has been made clear to me that no further offensive operations by us will be tolerated.” The major had been his first company commander in the Great War and they had fought together with the Baltikumer before they had joined the Spezialpolizei des Oberschlesischen Selbschutzes. By now he knew his superior well enough to recognize that he was not more happy about the orders than Werding himself.
„May I ask why?“
„It seems Berlin thinks,” A little scowl made clear Zastrow considered that the ultimate oxymoron,” the Polish will be more receptive to our position. On top of that they hope to make the allies more favourable to our concerns about the Russians.”
Werding snorted in contempt. „And again the damn democrats stab us in the back. As if their Erfüllungspolitik can return freedom to the German people.“
„That may be. But for now the Reichswehr stands fully behind the government. And without their support we´d be done for. They simply see the communists as greater danger.“
Werding grimaced, but in truth he could not disagree. The Poles were history, whether they had realized it or not, but the Russian success would embolden the native reds to try their own thing.
 
30. August 1920, Berlin
„Now is the time! With our Russian comrades at the border, the revolution in Germany will succeed!“


Paul Levi struggled not to grimace. He hadn´t seen a choice to deny the left wing of the party this meeting. And he had anticipated what they intended to say. That made the vehemence of Heinrich Brandler not more palatable. But these men had strong backing within the KPD, now more than ever. He had to tread carefully to have a chance at calming tempers.


„I don´t think we have a chance under the current circumstances. The government will watch us even more carefully now. They will use every wrong step we take to crack down on us ruthlessly.“


„But today we are stronger than ever. The victory in Poland has proven the superiority of the communist system. And the Soviet army is right at hand to support us.“


„Is it really? They will need time to consolidate before they can continue combat operations.“


Brandler opened his mouth to respond, but stopped himself when Karl Radek nodded thoughtfully. Levi hadn´t any illusions. Any agreement would only be a negotiation ploy. Radek followed exactly the same political line as Brandner. He just was a much better politician, knowing how to look open to differing opinions without a change to his own stance.


„Comrade Levi has a point on both occassions. We need to coordinate with our Russian comrades to achieve the best effect. Best, if I leave for talks with Moscow in the morrow. This will also give you enough time for preparations in Germany as well.“


Despite his best efforts Levi was unable to change their minds. In the end he only got them to wait for the next official meeting of the party leadership, to give the decision a wider and more official base. Maybe cooler heads would prevail in the larger group. Probably not. Far too many people tried to wrap reality around their own world view.
 
Danzig is a Free State but under the protection of the League of nations. One the League is no longer able or willing to protect the city, Germany can do so. Until then one should claim the city, but one should do nothing- yet.

Correct, but OTL the "protection" was defact only the High (?) Comissioner - not a military presence.

The intention for Danzig to be independent was basically to give Poland better access to the sea - Danzig was the main harbour for the Vistula bordering regions. But IIRC Britain did not want that Poland annexes Danzig - thus the "Freie Stadt" fiction. Teh MAjority of the citizens were pro Germany and would have voted to stay with Germany. - If Poland is no longer independent the "need" for a harbour is no longer existent, so the LEague would be "less interested" in a free Danzig - to give it effectively to the Soviets was an out come that ibasically not even France would have "preferred" (Though giving it to GErmany might be seen as bad by the French ;))

OTL Poland also conducted the "foreign" relations for Danzig - at least this should be transferred to Germany with the fall of Poland.

I am also wondering if some Poles would "flee" to GErmany (Some should still have relatives in GErmany and many of those that lived in the former German Empire might try to reclaim their GErman citizenships to escape the Russians - Germany with a strong exile polis movement :D)
 
About the same time Seeckt was having similar thoughts. Just now Rathenau had informed him about the talks with the French and British government. After long talks with the British ambassador and by the German one in London the foreign minister had agreed to receive a German special delegation. But not even in private the British ambassador had been willing to give a preliminary position about the German agenda.


That was far better than the damn French. “Currently there is no visible reason to talk about amendments of the treaty of Versailles.” was the official position. And the private opinion was less favourable for most of the French.


“Those stupid frog bastards. Don´t they see that Germany stands no chance against the Red hordes? And how long do they think, they will be able to keep the communists abroad and within at bay once Germany is communist?”


Rathenau eyed him calmly and put down his cup before he answered calmly. “They probably don´t believe the Soviets are going to attack us. Or to succeed. You have said it the last days several times. From a purely military point of view it is a bit insane. Long logistic lines, little industrial base and a very lightly equipped army.”


“But the calculation is not only a military one. We know that there is left wing unrest in Germany.” Rathenau nodded. Not that the right was any better. But of course that was the right side for Seeckt. “This is almost a crusade for Lenin and his accomplices. They will count on support from within Germany for their campaigns. And they will get some of it too. A major uprising will bind a significant part of our forces. Even including the free corps. The Russians and these traitors will roll right over us as we are now.”


“And the Entente will understand that in the end.”


“So when do you think the Entente will allow our rearmament? Before the Russians are in Berlin. Or afterwards.”


“Actually I don´t think they will agree to us publicly rearming until we are in the middle of fighting. Perhaps not even then.”


Seeckt opened his mouth, but Rathenau forestalled his objection by quickly rising his hand.


“I said they won´t agree to official rearmament. But I am fairly sure we can get them to turn a blind eye towards us working around that. At least I think the British will in the end see reason and put some pressure on France to do the same.”


“And if they don´t?”


Rathenau shrugged. “If they don´t you just have to keep it truly hidden. You will have to do it anyway for a time. I won´t have even British approval for some time. This time at least you don´t have to hide it from the government.”


Rathenau furrowed his eyebrows at that. The government had known of course that Seeckt had worked around the treaty restrictions on the army a bit. But even they had been surprised how much. And how successful he had hidden it even from them.


“And if worst comes to worst we always can put some pressure upon them.”


“What pressure?”


“How about opening alliance talks against them with the USSR.”


Now Seeckt almost jumped out of his chair. “You can´t do that. The army won´t stand for that. I won´t stand for it.”


Rathenau grinned. “Relax. Of course we won´t do it. That would just delay our problems. But if it were leaked we have entered such talks or are even thinking about it...”


“Seems risky to me. They might just decide to put us down in a preventive strike.”


“Sure it is. A weapon of last resort. And I don´t think we will need it. Don´t plan on any open rearming any time soon though.”
 

Tyr Anazasi

Banned
Correct, but OTL the "protection" was defact only the High (?) Comissioner - not a military presence.

The intention for Danzig to be independent was basically to give Poland better access to the sea - Danzig was the main harbour for the Vistula bordering regions. But IIRC Britain did not want that Poland annexes Danzig - thus the "Freie Stadt" fiction. Teh MAjority of the citizens were pro Germany and would have voted to stay with Germany. - If Poland is no longer independent the "need" for a harbour is no longer existent, so the LEague would be "less interested" in a free Danzig - to give it effectively to the Soviets was an out come that ibasically not even France would have "preferred" (Though giving it to GErmany might be seen as bad by the French ;))

OTL Poland also conducted the "foreign" relations for Danzig - at least this should be transferred to Germany with the fall of Poland.

I am also wondering if some Poles would "flee" to GErmany (Some should still have relatives in GErmany and many of those that lived in the former German Empire might try to reclaim their GErman citizenships to escape the Russians - Germany with a strong exile polis movement :D)

Of course "protection" was only a mere word than fact. However, they would need to do something. The question is, if they agree to a reunification with Germany now. The French answer I already know...
 
September 1st Halle (Saale)

French Government declines to help its Polish Friends
(...)Polish foreign minister Eustachy Sapiepha expressed his disappointment with the results of the talks after his meeting with French Prime Minister Millerand. “He told me essentially that no meaningful help could be given to our state.” The French government in a communiqué in which it was said that “under the current circumstances it seems neither prudent nor possible for the French republic to become involved in the Polish-Soviet war to an extent which promises success.” The announcement was welcomed by French workers representatives and the major French parties. Sapiepha immediately after the meeting left Paris for London. It is considered unlikely that the British government will contribute more to the lost cause of Poland than France.
But from a German point of view the timing of the Polish foreign minister is fortunate. It will serve to underline the threat the USSR poses just when the Rathenau delegation has arrived to address it and to get the shameful Versailles attenuated to reflect the changed situation.”


The whistle of the locomotive made Aaron Baum look up from the newspaper. Outside he recognized the buildings of Halle and stood up to take his suitcase and hat from the rack. It would be nice to be home for a while now before semester started again. As the train stopped he apologized and shifted around the elder woman sharing the compartment with him and opened the door.


Using the higher vantage point he surveyed the platform while he put on the hat.


He had not seen his family, but when he stepped down to the platform his sister tackled him. Laughing he embraced her.


“Slowly, sis. You are getting a bit big for this.”


She grinned up to him.


“You think so?”


He winked at her and ruffled her hair, while he looked around for the rest of the family. Of all his siblings he loved his sister the most. Perhaps because he was the oldest while she was the youngest. With ten years of age difference and her being the only girl they had little reason for conflicts. Instead he felt the urge to protect her.


His mother and the younger of his brothers followed more sedately. His mother also put her arms around him, but his brother tried to get away with shaking hands. With two elder brothers he always tried to act as adult as possible. Grinning Aaron pulled him into an embrace as well. He was merciful though and kept it short. Instead he shouldered his baggage and started walking towards the exit.


“Good to be home. How are Dad and David?”


“You know your father He is working as hard as ever and is lamenting all the time that the constant unrest is bad for business. Your brother is a great help though he says.”


Aaron nodded. His father basically lived for the family business. His brother was the same. Aaron himself had never been interested in accounting and trading and that stuff. Fortunately his father had not insisted for him to follow in his foot steps and supported his wish to study engineering. Maybe he just had not fought him because he been glad that his oldest had survived the war unscratched. Either way Aaron was glad for it.
 
It will be interesting to see what a certain ex Corporal Adolf Hitler does in this timeline....
To be honest I don´t currently plan to give him a role. I had already drawn up a scene where a Bohemian volunteer is mortally wounded while protecting some civilians. And only when the Rabbi among them comforts the dying man, Hitler recognizes them as Polish Jews. But frankly that scene would be pure pulp fiction. And every other appearance I can come up is equally meaningless. As he is frankly unimportant for the story, as far as I planned taking it, I might just ignore him for now. That way if I continue it further I still have the ideal villain around within Germany.
 
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