| Matilda II |
| A12 Matilda 2 Infantry Tank Crew: 4 Armament: one 2 pounder gun or 3 in. Howitzer, one .303 or 7.92 mg Armor: 78mm maximum, 14mm minimum Weight: 27,000 kg Performance: 15 mph road speed, 160 miles range History: Served with British Army 1939 to 1945. Also used by Australia and the Soviet Union. When the war office decided its Matilda Tank needed to be up-gunned, and discovered that it was impossible to fit a 2 pounder on the Matilda, the Matilda II was born. The tank saw extensive service in France and North Africa, and was also used in the pacific by the Australians. The dominating feature of the first Matilda, its heavy front armor, was retained and enhanced in this updated version. German anti-tank gunners found only their 88's were capable of penetrating the front armor of the Matilda. The Matilda has the honor of being the only UK tank to serve through the entire war, and beyond. Late models were modified to function as flail tanks, flame throwing tanks, command tanks, and some were even equipped with bridge laying equipment. |
 |
 |