Book Review: ‘Tannenberg 1914: Destruction of the Russian Second Army’: A Highly Detailed Account of the Battle of Tannenberg

Russian prisoners and guns captured at Tannenberg, Germany on Jan. 1, 1914, from “Photos of the Great War.” (Public Domain)

For World War I enthusiasts, Osprey Publishing has issued a new work on a specific battle of the war. Michael McNally has written a very concise yet detailed book titled “Tannenberg 1914: Destruction of the Russian Second Army.”

The battle begins at the start of the global conflict, on the eastern front in East Prussia, between Germany and Russia. The battle would become a microcosm of the war, especially in terms of the Russians. McNally gives painstaking detail of decisions made before, during, and after the battle.

Before the War

The author provides insight into reasons for the animosity in Europe, specifically between France and Germany. He discusses, briefly, the results of the Napoleonic Wars and the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, and the rise of the German political genius Otto von Bismarck. Looking at the situation much closer to the time of the war, McNally begins with the reasons for why the conflict took place, including the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the demands placed on Serbia by the Austrian government, and the declaration of war by the Austrians on the Serbians. He discusses in short order each country’s inevitable declarations of war on each other.

From this point, McNally practically walks the reader through the step-by-step process of how the pivotal battle between the Germans and the Russians transpired. As is common with Osprey publications of specific battles or military moments in history, it is chock-full of tedious information. The book breaks down the chain of commands within the German and Russian armies. It also provides maps of military movements that took place throughout the battle during the month of August (symbol legend included).

The Belligerents

There is a good amount of information dedicated to the Russians, but most of the time is spent within the German ranks. McNally details the interaction between Gen. Hermann von François and Gen. Maximilian von Prittwitz. François has gone down in history as a bombastic and daring—at least more so than Prittwitz—commander. McNally discusses the disagreements between the two generals or, more pointedly, the insubordination of François. Ultimately, his insubordination works in the Germans’ favor, and Prittwitz is replaced by Gen. Paul von Hindenburg.

General Field Marshall Paul von Hindenburg in 1914. (Public Domain)

Hindenburg is a familiar name, even for those who are not World War I enthusiasts. McNally does a fine job of demonstrating the importance and the impact of impeccable military leadership. Hindenburg and Gen. Erich Ludendorff exemplify that in the book.

For much of the conflict, the Germans seem to be on their heels. The Russians have near-overwhelming numbers, but as McNally shows, time and distance prove to be determining factors. Ultimately, the numbers were not enough to win the day. The Russians were weary, and their communications—or lack thereof—proved too costly (issues that became systemic throughout Russia’s time in the war).

“Tannenberg 1914” provides images from the battle, the German and Russian commanders, and maps. Regarding the maps, those prove very helpful. At times, it becomes difficult to follow who is who among the many commanders in the writing and where exactly the troops are moving, whether in attack, defense, or retreat. The maps clear up any confusion the reader may have, and they also allow the reader to visualize and learn the tactics used by the armies. The final maps also reiterate just how quickly the German armies regrouped, adjusted, and soon overwhelmed the Russian Second Army.

Highly Detailed, Somewhat Dry

McNally does not get caught up in the dramatics. There is no hyperbolic language, except perhaps for quotes from the Germans and Russians. It is a straightforward account of the results from the battle. War, of course, is the great drama and therefore provides enough excitement for the reader. It is difficult, however, not to call the work dry due to its straightforwardness and its abundance of detail (though, not to imply that the details were not necessary).

“Tannenberg 1914” is an ideal work for World War I enthusiasts, especially those looking for a highly detailed account of what took place in the opening days of the war. The book will also provide insight into precisely why the Russian army fell to the wayside a few years later, a situation that helped lead the Russian people to revolt against their government (though, unfortunately, installing a much harsher regime). For the German side, the book will demonstrate how the Germans were more tactically and technologically advanced, how their communications were superior specifically compared to the Russians, and why they came close to winning the war.

“Tannenberg 1914: Destruction of the Russian Second Army” by Michael McNally.

‘Tannenberg 1914: Destruction of the Russian Second Army’ By Michael McNally Osprey Publishing, Dec. 20, 2022 Paperback: 96 pages