The Modlin Fortress, located at the confluence of the Vistula and Narew rivers, was one of the last points of Polish resistance during the September Campaign of 1939. After 19 days of heroic defense led by Gen. Wiktor Thommée, facing depleted supplies and no hope for relief, the fortress surrendered on September 29, 1939. The defense of Modlin became a symbol of Polish soldiers' courage and determination in the face of German aggression.

The Modlin Fortress, one of the most important fortifications in Poland, played a crucial role in the country's history. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Vistula and Narew rivers made it a witness to many significant military events.

The capitulation of the Modlin Fortress is a moment that has been recorded in Polish history as a symbol of heroic defense and an indomitable fighting spirit. This date holds great significance not only for the local community but also for the entire Polish nation.

The Modlin Fortress, located at the junction of the Vistula and Narew rivers, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Napoleon Bonaparte recognized its strategic importance, initiating the construction of fortifications in 1806. The construction, supervised by French engineers, continued until 1812.

In 1813, the fortress fell into Russian hands, who continued its expansion and modernization. Between 1832-1841, an impressive citadel was built, which remains one of the longest buildings in Europe, measuring 2.2 km in length.

The fortress played a crucial role during the November Uprising (1830-1831), serving as the last point of resistance for Polish troops. During World War I (1914-1918), it was the scene of fierce battles between Russian and German forces.

In the interwar period, Modlin became an important training center for the Polish army. The Armored Weapons Training Center and the Engineering Corps Training Center were established here, educating officer cadres for the Polish armed forces.

During the September Campaign of 1939, the Modlin Fortress once again found itself at the center of wartime events. The fortress garrison, commanded by Gen. Wiktor Thommée, heroically resisted German forces for 19 days, surrendering only on September 29, 1939.

After World War II, the Modlin Fortress partially retained its military functions while becoming a tourist attraction. Currently, the fortification complex is a valuable monument of military architecture, attracting history enthusiasts from across the country.

The Modlin Fortress played a crucial role in the September Campaign of 1939. The fortress garrison put up fierce resistance against German forces for 19 days, becoming one of the last points of resistance in Poland.

The siege of the Modlin Fortress began on September 10, 1939. German forces of the 3rd Army, commanded by General Georg von Küchler, surrounded the fortifications. The fortress was defended by approximately 15,000 soldiers under the command of Brigadier General Wiktor Thommée.

The defenders of the Modlin Fortress demonstrated extraordinary determination and courage. Despite the enemy's numerical and technological superiority, the garrison effectively repelled attacks:

• Fortress artillery conducted accurate fire, destroying German positions
• Polish pilots carried out risky reconnaissance and supply missions
• Soldiers conducted bold counterattacks, disrupting enemy operations

The defense lasted until September 29, 1939, when, due to depleted supplies and no hope for relief, Gen. Thommée made the decision to surrender. The heroic stance of the Modlin Fortress defenders became a symbol of Polish resistance in September 1939.

The surrender of the Modlin Fortress took place on September 29, 1939, after 19 days of heroic defense. The decision to surrender was made by Brigadier General Wiktor Thommée in the face of a difficult strategic situation and resource depletion.

The Modlin Fortress surrendered on September 29, 1939, at 8:00 AM. On that day, Gen. Thommée signed the act of surrender in the presence of German commander Gen. Georg von Küchler. This moment marked the end of the last organized Polish resistance in northern Mazovia during the September Campaign.

The capitulation of the Modlin Fortress resulted from several key factors:

1. Depletion of supplies: Defenders lacked ammunition, food, and medicine.
2. Strategic isolation: No possibility of receiving external support.
3. Enemy superiority: German forces had significant numerical and technical advantage.
4. Bombardments: Intensive air raids and artillery fire weakened the defenders' positions.
5. Lack of prospects: The fall of Warsaw on September 27 deprived defenders of hope for change.

Gen. Thommée, aware of the hopeless situation, made the decision to surrender to avoid further losses among soldiers and civilians.

The fall of Modlin Fortress on September 29, 1939, had significant consequences for both the defenders and the course of the September Campaign. The capitulation of this key fortification symbolized the end of Poland's organized resistance against the German invasion.

The capitulation of Modlin Fortress meant the end of heroic struggle and the beginning of a difficult period of captivity for its defenders. About 15,000 Polish soldiers were taken into German captivity. Many were sent to prisoner-of-war camps deep within the Reich. Officers, including Gen. Wiktor Thommée, were interned in Oflags. Regular soldiers were sent to Stalags, where harsh conditions and forced labor awaited them. Some managed to escape and join the resistance movement. Despite the surrender, the defenders of Modlin earned respect from both their countrymen and opponents for their courage and determination.

The fall of Modlin Fortress had a significant impact on the course of the September Campaign:

1. Symbolic ending: The capitulation of Modlin, one of the last points of resistance, symbolically ended the regular phase of fighting in Poland.
2. Release of German forces: About 40,000 German soldiers involved in the siege could be transferred to other fronts.
3. Strengthening enemy morale: The capture of the heavily fortified fortress boosted German army morale.
4. Weakening Polish resistance: The loss of such an important defensive point significantly weakened Poland's ability to maintain organized resistance.
5. Impact on Allied plans: The fall of Modlin accelerated Western Allies' decisions about the necessity to help Poland through means other than direct military intervention.

The capitulation of Modlin Fortress, although militarily predetermined, became an important element of Polish national memory, symbolizing heroism and determination in the face of overwhelming enemy forces.

Modlin Fortress played a crucial role in Polish history, serving as one of the country's most important military facilities. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Vistula and Narew rivers provided control over vital communication routes.

Modlin Fortress served as a key defensive point in numerous conflicts:

• November Uprising (1830-1831): Served as an important bastion of Polish resistance
• World War I (1914-1918): Was an arena of battles between Russian and German forces
• Polish-Soviet War (1919-1921): Served as an operational base for the Polish army

During the interwar period, Modlin Fortress became an important educational center for the Polish army:

• Sapper Training Center: Educated specialists in military engineering
• Infantry Officer Cadet School: Trained future infantry officers
• Armored Forces Training Center: Trained personnel for armored units

The heroic defense of the Modlin Fortress in September 1939 was written in golden letters in Polish history:

• 19 days of resistance: One of the longest points of resistance during the September Campaign
• 15,000 defenders: Faced overwhelming German forces
• Symbolic significance: The last bastion of Polish independence before occupation

Today, the Modlin Fortress stands as a valuable monument of military architecture:

• Unique construction: Combines fortification elements from different epochs
• Tourist attraction: Attracts thousands of military history and architecture enthusiasts annually
• Memorial site: Commemorates the heroism of Polish soldiers and difficult moments in the country's history

Through its turbulent history and strategic importance, the Modlin Fortress has permanently inscribed itself in Polish history, symbolizing the strength, determination, and fighting spirit of the Polish nation.

The defense of Modlin Fortress in 1939 went down in Polish history as a symbol of indomitability and heroism. The memory of this event is preserved in many ways:

The museum, located within the fortress, displays exhibits related to the September Campaign of 1939. Visitors can see:

• Weapons and military equipment from World War II
• Documents and photographs related to the fortress defense
• Fortress models and dioramas depicting key moments of the siege

September 29th marks the organization of ceremonies commemorating the fortress surrender:

• Roll call of the fallen at the Monument to the Defenders of Modlin
• Historical reenactments presenting scenes from the defenders' lives
• Lectures and presentations by historians about the significance of Modlin's defense

A marked tourist trail covers the most important defense points from 1939:

• The Citadel, where the defense command was located
• Napoleon's Redoubt, a key point of resistance
• The Tatar Tower, which served as an observation point

The defense of Modlin Fortress is the subject of numerous studies:

• Historical monographs analyzing the course of the siege
• Memoirs of battle participants, published as diaries
• Scientific articles examining strategic aspects of the defense

Local educational institutions implement educational programs:

• History lessons conducted on fortress grounds
• Knowledge competitions about Modlin's defense for students
• Interdisciplinary projects combining history with other subjects

Numerous memorial sites are located within and around the fortress:

• Monument to the Defenders of Modlin from 1939
• Memorial plaque commemorating the defense commander, Gen. Wiktor Thommée
• Military cemetery with graves of fallen soldiers

The memory of Modlin Fortress's defense remains alive and cherished, constituting an important element of national identity and local pride.

• Modlin Fortress surrendered on September 29, 1939, after 19 days of heroic defense
• The surrender was caused by depleted supplies, strategic isolation, and enemy superiority
• The fortress's defense became a symbol of Polish resistance during the September Campaign
• The fall of Modlin marked the end of organized Polish resistance in 1939
• Today, the fortress is a valuable historical monument and place of national remembrance
• The memory of Modlin's defense is preserved through museums, anniversary celebrations, and educational programs

The capitulation of Modlin Fortress on September 29, 1939, symbolically marked the end of the September Campaign. Despite its fall, the fortress remains a testament to the heroism of Polish soldiers and their unwavering will to fight.

Today, Modlin Fortress is not only a monument of military architecture but also a place of national remembrance. It attracts crowds of tourists and history researchers, commemorating important events in Polish history.

Modlin Fortress will forever remain a symbol of courage, determination, and patriotism. Its history continues to inspire successive generations of Poles, reminding them of the nation's strength of spirit in the face of adversity.