The dynamics of a chain of vibrational bonds which develop a classical solitary compression wave is simulated. A converged fully correlated quantum mechanical calculation is compared with a time dependent mean field approach (TDSCF) and with a classical simulation. The dynamics were all generated from the same Hamiltonian. The TDSCF and classical calculations show a fully developed solitary wave with the expected dependence of group velocity on amplitude. The full quantum calculations show a solitary-like wave which propagates for a while but then degrades. The robustness of the compression wave depends on the initial preparation. Evidence of partial recurrence of the wave has also been observed. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.