Right on Time: A Independent India TL

[LeonardWood6]

Russia found itself in a challenging conflict against India, with the joint Indo-Afghan forces dealing significant blows to the Russian Army in the early stages of the war.

The Russian Army had attempted to launch several offensives in an attempt to reclaim lost territory. However, the strength of the Indo-Afghan defense proved insurmountable, thwarting Russian attempts to regain ground. The human wave tactics employed by the Russians faltered against the well-coordinated defense strategies of their adversaries.

India's vast manpower reservoirs posed a formidable advantage over Russia, with millions of willing volunteers ready to join the ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. Unlike Russia, which resorted to conscription to bolster its ranks, India's voluntary recruitment surpassed expectations.

Recognizing the urgency to reverse India's territorial gains and prevent potential uprisings in Central Asia, Russia deliberated on alternative strategies to circumvent Indo-Afghan defenses. Drawing inspiration from Germany's military strategy, Russia devised a plan to penetrate Afghan and Indian territory through Iran.

Similar to Germany's invasion of Belgium to bypass French fortifications, Russia aimed to use Iran as a conduit to penetrate India's defenses. Russia sought to outflank Indo-Afghan positions and launch a surprise offensive from the West, where it was going to be unexpected.

This operation would be called: Operation Alexander.

 

[LeonardWood6]

As tensions escalated, the Qajar Dynasty found itself entangled in a complex web of geopolitical maneuvers.

The Qajar Dynasty, though officially neutral, had tacitly backed the Central Powers due to historical grievances and aspirations for regional power balance. The Berlin-Delhi Railway, a symbol of economic prosperity and industrialization, had bolstered Iran's position and mitigated British influence. Resentment toward Russia, stemming from previous attempts to gain Iranian Azerbaijan, further fueled Iran's tacit support for the Central Powers.

Operation Alexander's success relied on meticulous planning and stealth tactics. Russian forces, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, infiltrated Iranian territory, bypassing populated towns and cutting telegraph lines to maintain secrecy. The audacious nature of the operation was underscored by the ruthlessness with which fleeing individuals were shot, preventing the dissemination of information.

However, German intelligence intercepted communications related to Operation Alexander, alerting Iran and India to the impending invasion. The British, already aware of the operation, attempted to intercept the messages to preserve the element of surprise. Despite their efforts, the news of the Russian incursion spread, eliciting shock and indecision in Iran and alarm in India.

In Iran, the revelation of the Russian invasion caused a state of paralysis and indecision. Conversely, in India, immediate alarm ensued, prompting rapid redeployment of troops to the Iran-Afghanistan border to confront the encroaching Russian forces.

As Russia pressed forward with its offensive into Afghanistan, expecting minimal resistance, they were met with unexpected opposition from Indian and Afghan forces, disrupting their momentum and inflicting casualties. However, the Russian advance persisted, albeit slowed by the unexpected confrontation.

Meanwhile, the exposure of Operation Alexander plunged the Tsar into a momentary crisis of confidence, and he almost called off the operation. However, the determination of Lavr Kornilov persuaded the Tsar to proceed, reinforcing the commitment to the operation despite the setback.

Unbeknownst to both the Entente and Central Powers, the unfolding events in Iran would soon escalate and get out of hand fast...

 

[LeonardWood6]

The fallout from Russia's stealth invasion of Iran were immense, sparking a chain of events that plunged the nation into turmoil and civil strife.

Initially, Ahmad's denouncement of the Russian invasion seemed to signal a firm stance against the Russian invasion. However, the British, wielding their influence and leveraging promises of investment and threats, managed to sway Ahmad's allegiance. Despite their diminished military capabilities and the encroaching threat of starvation due to the Indian blockade, the British projected an image of strength to secure Ahmad's compliance. The promise of investment and threats proved instrumental in swaying his allegiance. Ahmad succumbed to their enticements, allowing Russian troops to utilize Iran as a base and obstructing Indian materiel and troop movements to the Ottomans.

This abrupt betrayal angered India, viewing it as a betrayal of trust and a dire threat to their strategic interests. For the Central Powers, particularly Germany, the interruption of the vital supply line posed a severe national security risk, prompting Kaiser Wilhelm II to despair momentarily.

However, this despair would soon turn into determination. The disruption of the Berlin-Delhi Railway galvanized the Central Powers into action, with Erich von Falkenhayn and the German High Command tasked with reopening the crucial lifeline, given full power by the Kaiser to do whatever was needed. The prospect of losing access to essential supplies like food and facing the full brunt of the Entente blockade created a sense of urgency.

However, Ahmad Shah Qajar's opportunistic collaboration did not proceed unchallenged. His decision was met with staunch opposition from within Iran. It would all come to a head with a revolt, one led by Mohammad Hassan Mirza Qajar, his own brother. Mohammad Hassan Mirza Qajar was angered at his brother's decision, and recognized the folly of aligning with the Entente powers. He viewed the Central Powers as more favorable allies who had contributed significantly to Iran's prosperity through the construction and utilization of the Berlin-Delhi Railway.

Indeed, the construction Berlin-Delhi Railway had led to economic prosperity in Iran, spurring industrialization and foreign (German and Indian) investment. In addition, Iran had been making a respectable amount of revenue from the Central Powers using the railway, charging a reasonable fee to the Central Powers for using the railway through their territory.

To Mohammad Hassan Mirza, the idea of aligning with the Entente was an insulting one. The British and Russians had inflicted humiliations upon their nation, and his brother was aligning with them? He couldn't allow his misguided foolish brother to jeopardize Iran's interests any longer. Leading a significant portion of the Qajar Army, Mohammad Hassan Mirza rallied against Ahmad Shah, and vowed to protect the Berlin-Delhi Railway and defy Ahmad's cooperation with the Entente.

As news of Mohammad Hassan Mirza's revolt against his brother Ahmad Shah Qajar spread, jubilation and relief swept through the leadership of the Central Powers. Kaiser Wilhelm II, in particular, was reportedly ecstatic at the news. The reaction among the leadership of the other Central Powers nations mirrored Wilhelm's enthusiasm, seeing the revolt as a potential turning point in their favor.

Mohammad Hassan Mirza's request for Central Powers support to protect the Berlin-Delhi Railway met with an immediate affirmative response. The Central Powers wasted no time in mobilizing a multinational force composed of troops from India, Germany, the Ottoman Empire, Austria, and Bulgaria. Upon arriving in Iran, the multinational force swiftly moved to reinforce Hassan Mirza, deploying along strategic points along the railway to repel incursions from Ahmad's loyalists and Russian forces. The coordination and cooperation among the different contingents showed the efficiency and effectiveness of the Central Powers' joint efforts.

As the conflict escalated, Iran became a battleground for competing geopolitical interests, and the nation was engulfed in a maelstrom of violence and instability.

 

[LeonardWood6]

In early 1915, the Western Front was a stalemate, with both the Entente and the Central Powers facing significant challenges in breaking it. The Germans had diverted a substantial portion of their forces to bolster their efforts there. This shift in focus was met with concern by the French and British, who viewed it as unacceptable and sought to regain the initiative on the Western Front.

Despite facing shortages of equipment, artillery, and ammunition, the Entente launched an ambitious offensive aimed at achieving breakthroughs in Artois and Champagne. The Tenth Army, under General Louis de Maud'huy, was tasked with advancing towards Cambrai in Artois, while the Fourth Army, led by General Fernand de Langle de Cary, aimed to push towards Rethel and Mézières in Champagne. These attacks were supported by additional offensives in other areas along the front.

The objectives of the offensive were twofold: to prevent the Germans from shifting troops to the Eastern Front and to achieve breakthroughs that would force the Germans into a retreat.

The Entente did manage to gain some territory initially, but their gains were short-lived as the Germans swiftly launched counterattacks and reclaimed most of the lost ground. Despite being launched on a 12-mile front, the attacks were conducted on narrow fronts of only a few hundred yards. This exposed the infantry to concentrated artillery fire, resulting in significant casualties. Approximately 93,432 French soldiers lost their lives in the offensive, while the German casualties amounted to around half that number.

On March 10, as part of the offensive in Artois, the British Army fought the Battle of Neuve Chapelle with the objective of capturing Aubers Ridge.

The battle commenced with a bombardment, which paved the way for the initial assault by British forces. The British troops made swift progress, resulting in the capture of the village within a remarkably short span. However, they suffered supply and communication difficulties. These logistical challenges slowed down the momentum of the advance. The Germans mobilized reserves and launched a counterattack, retaking the village.

The Spring of 1915 saw stalemates on the Western Front.

So the Entente would be forced to look elsewhere for the momentum to shift...

 

[LeonardWood6]

The Russian offensive into Afghanistan from the west (thanks to Operation Alexander) caught the Indo-Afghan forces off guard, leading to a swift advance that threatened to sever Afghanistan from India and encircle millions of Indian and Afghan troops.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Indian High Command swiftly deployed additional troops to bolster the defensive lines along the corridor. Fears of being encircled and annihilated fueled the Indian High Command to act fast. However, the Russians overlooked this critical corridor, alleviating India's concerns.

Instead, the Russian forces sought to cross the Indus River, mirroring Alexander the Great (hence the name Operation Alexander). The prospect of the Russians advancing further into Indian territory sent panic through the halls of the Confederal Government in New Delhi.

Despite the looming threat, the crisis sparked an incredible surge of patriotism among the Indian populace. Millions more soldiers were mobilized and dispatched to reinforce the Indus River Defensive Line, and they were determined to halt the Russian advance and defend their homeland at all costs.

As the Russian forces attempted to seize Iranian and Indian Balochistan, they encountered staunch resistance and were ultimately unsuccessful in their objectives. The Berlin-Delhi Railway, a vital supply line for the Central Powers, remained open, ensuring the flow of essential resources and reinforcements.

The Russian invasion of Iran, Afghanistan, and India exacted a heavy toll, resulting in significant casualties estimated at nearly 1.1 million soldiers. Additionally, the ongoing Iranian Civil War claimed thousands more lives, further straining Russian resources and manpower.

Despite the challenges and losses faced by the Russians, their incursion into Indian territory marked a significant victory for the Entente powers.

 

[LeonardWood6]

The entrance of Madagascar into the Entente during World War I caused a profound shift in the African theater. With its formidable navy, Madagascar swiftly executed a series of naval invasion campaigns targeting Germany's African colonies, and the last German-held territory in Africa surrendered by late 1915.

However, Madagascar's alignment with the Entente elicited strong sentiments of betrayal and anger in India. As a response to Madagascar's actions, India promptly mobilized its naval forces, including the Indian East African Fleet, with a clear directive: confront and decisively defeat the Malagasy navy.

The stage was set for a dramatic naval confrontation off the Swahili Coast, where the Indian Fleet would face off against the formidable Malagasy navy. This showdown, known as the Battle of the Swahili Coast, drew parallels with the Battle of Tsushima, which had taken place just a decade earlier.

The opposing forces in the Battle of the Swahili Coast were formidable. On one side stood the combined fleets of South Africa, Britain, Portugal, and Madagascar, all under the Entente banner. Facing them was the Indian Fleet.

The waters off the Swahili Coast saw intense naval engagements. Both sides unleashed a barrage of gunfire, torpedoes, and did strategic maneuvers. Despite the ferocity of the conflict and major losses incurred on both sides, the Battle of the Swahili Coast ultimately concluded in a stalemate. Neither the Indian Fleet nor the combined Entente fleets managed to secure a decisive victory.

 

[LeonardWood6]

The Russian Empire's significant gains against India posed a dire threat. Germany and Austria-Hungary, seeing the situation India was in, knew they needed to do something to alleviate the pressure on their Indian ally. Hindenburg and Ludendorff, commanding the German Army on the Eastern Front, formulated a plan to launch a major offensive aimed at Congress Poland. The objective was clear: to distract and divert Russian forces away from India and relieve the pressure on their ally.

The Austrian Offensive in October 1915 marked the beginning of this effort. Led by Conrad von Hotzendorf, the Austrian-Hungarian forces launched an ambitious offensive into the Carpathian Mountains. However, the timing of the offensive, amidst harsh winter conditions, proved to be a significant challenge. Despite artillery support, the Austro-Hungarian troops faced staunch resistance from the Russian Army, resulting in substantial casualties totaling around 138,000.

To the Russians, the Austrian offensive seemed more proof of Austria-Hungary's incompetence and height of stupidity, with the choice of attacking the Carpathians in winter viewed as a blunder. Yet, unbeknownst to them, the offensive served as a crucial distraction. The Russians, fearing the loss of Galicia, redeployed a significant portion of their forces to defend the region, leaving other areas vulnerable.

Meanwhile, the Germans meticulously laid the groundwork for their own offensive. Building up troops in East Prussia and stockpiling vital supplies, they prepared to strike when the opportune moment arrived. Employing strategic deception, the Germans deliberately allowed false war plans to fall into Russian hands, misdirecting Russian attention away from their true intentions.

When the Russians fell for the ruse and shifted their focus to Galicia, Hindenburg and Ludendorff seized the opportunity to launch their long-awaited offensive from East Prussia. The Germans caught the Russians completely by surprise, encountering minimal resistance as they advanced southward. Employing innovative tactics, including the deployment of tanks, the Germans swiftly overcame Russian defenses, cutting through their infantry with ease.

General Brusilov's efforts did allow hundreds of thousands of Russian troops to escape, but it was not enough to prevent the encirclement of a massive Russian force in Congress Poland. Approximately 900,000 to 1,000,000 Russian soldiers found themselves trapped in a pocket, and they faced annihilation.

The fall of Warsaw, captured by the joint Austro-Hungarian and German forces, marked a significant victory for the Central Powers. Kaiser Wilhelm II's visit to the front lines further bolstered morale among the victorious troops, and celebrations erupted throughout the Central Powers after this triumph.

For the Entente, however, the loss of Congress Poland dealt a devastating blow to morale as they entered 1916 reeling from a catastrophic disaster. Yet, amidst the gloom, there was a glimmer of hope with the arrival of American soldiers in considerable numbers, signaling America's full transition into a war economy and offering a ray of optimism for the embattled Allies.

 

[LeonardWood6]

1915 unfolded as a tumultuous year, one marked by significant developments across multiple theaters of the Great War. From Asia to Africa, from the Western Front to the Balkans, 1915 witnessed a series of pivotal events that shaped the course of the war and laid the groundwork for the challenges to come in 1916.

In Asia, the Entente suffered a series of setbacks, beginning with the surrender of British Burma in January. The region faced a dire situation, with thousands of troops succumbing to starvation amidst the harsh conditions of war. Meanwhile, in the Persian Gulf, India achieved a decisive victory over the Royal Navy after the Battle of the Persian Gulf in March, utterly annihilating the desperate British attempt to break out of it. This victory effectively ensured that the British in the region would starve to death.

On the Western Front, the Entente's attempts to advance and regain territory were met with fierce resistance from the German forces. Despite the Entente's efforts, the Germans successfully repelled the Entente offensives, regaining lost ground and maintaining a formidable defense.

The sinking of the Lusitania in May further escalated tensions, prompting the Taft Administration to declare war on Germany and the Central Powers. However, this declaration was met with opposition from Eugene Debs and the Socialist Party of America.

Meanwhile, Italy joined the war. Luigi Cadorna's incompetence and flawed tactics resulted in significant casualties for little gain. Despite Italy's entry into the war, the situation on the Italian front remained precarious, with Cadorna's leadership coming under increasing scrutiny.

In the Balkans, Austria-Hungary and Germany launched a coordinated offensive into Serbia, with Bulgaria joining the war on the side of the Central Powers. Despite efforts by the British and French to support Serbia, the country was ultimately overwhelmed, leading to a harrowing retreat of Serbian forces and civilians through Albania.

The involvement of Japan and Madagascar further shifted the dynamics of the war, with Japan seizing German Pacific colonies and Madagascar executing successful naval invasion campaigns in Africa, seizing Germany's African colonies. These developments underscored the global nature of the conflict and the growing influence of the Entente.

Meanwhile, Russia's Operation Alexander aimed to infiltrate across the Iranian border and attack the rear of Indo-Afghan forces. Despite initial successes, the Russians ultimately failed to achieve their goals.

In Iran, Ahmad Shah Qajar's decision to align with the Entente sparked internal conflict, with his brother Mohammed Hassan Mirza leading a revolt against his rule. The ensuing civil war further complicated the situation, with a multinational Central Powers force intervening to protect the Berlin-Delhi Railway.

As pressure mounted on India, Germany and Austria-Hungary devised a plan to alleviate the strain on their ally. Austria launched an offensive into the Carpathians, diverting Russian forces. This strategic maneuver paved the way for Germany's long-awaited offensive, which caught Russia off guard and resulted in the encirclement and annihilation of a significant portion of Russian troops in Congress Poland (around 900k-1 million).

The triumph of the Central Powers in Congress Poland dealt a devastating blow to the morale of the Entente as they entered 1916 facing a catastrophic defeat.

As 1916 began, the conflict showed no signs of abating, and new challenges and uncertainties loomed on the horizon.