Modlin

Modlin was also parts of a name of a Polish merchant ship 'Modlin' and Army Modlin

Modlin was a village near Warsaw near the banks of rivers Narew and Vistula. In 1961 it has been incorporated into the town of Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki as a quarter.

Fortress Modlin

In 1806-1812 a fortress was constructed here by the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was later expanded by Russians in the 19th century and renamed to Aleksandriysk. Intended as a major stronghold guarding the bridges over Vistula and Bugo-Narew, it was captured by German forces during the First World War in 1915, with little resistance from the already-routed Russians.

After the First World War Modlin became part of Poland and was modernised with modern bunkers, anti-tank and anti-aircraft equipment. Its main purpose was to provide cover for Warsaw from enemy attacks from the North. The fortress also housed several military barracks and military colleges for NCOs.

During the Polish September Campaign at the beginning of the Second World War it was a headquarters of the Modlin Army until it retreated eastwards. From September 13 to September 29, 1939 it was defended by Polish forces under command of general Siege of Warsaw).

Among Polish forces defending the fortress was an armoured train 'Śmierć'. Modlin anti-aircraft battery was the one that shot down the most German planes during the campaign. Modlin capitulated on September 29, as one of the last Polish units during the campaign.