What If The Red Army Captures Warsaw in 1920?

[LOTLOF]

While I agree that some generals would avoid a head on assault against such strong fortifications keep in mind the era we are in. This is just a couple years removed from the Great War. Joffre, Haig, Neville, this would certainly not be the first time troops were sent out to attacks strongly held positions by their generals The Somme, Verdun, Passchendaele, are just a few examples of battles where the only strategy was 'up and at 'em!'



What is more I have tried to clearly paint the picture of an army that is NOT a professional military. The Red Army values political reliability above professional competence. Given the choice between a brilliant commander and an obedient one they will choose the latter. The whole reason why the commissars exist is to guarantee the loyalty and reliability of the officers and men. They value obedience not skill.



It needs to be clear that in the German Army a general could get away with bending or breaking rules so long as he succeeded. In the Red Army there was simply no tolerance for this. I believe that Tukhachevsky is intelligent enough to see the situation for what it is, but that he is trapped by circumstances.



The Warsaw Army is a slow moving plodding force. They have chosen this path largely because there is a road and rail line that will make movement and supply easier. Just getting them to move along this single path while remaining fed is difficult enough. To turn them around and search out alternate river crossings will mean a long delay. Plus with the Luftwaffe constantly overhead achieving surprise is impossible.



Still, I agree that this would be a better choice. BUT he is afraid of withdrawing without giving battle. For a general who is afraid of so much as sounding defeatist it is impossible without putting himself in serious risk. Tukhachevsky honestly feels that if he does anything but attack he will be putting himself in danger. Perhaps a general should be willing to risk himself to spare his men; but I cannot really blame him for it when that is the reality he is forced to deal with.