The Matilda II was a very improved version of the Matilda I. Equipped with the very effective 40 mm gun, it enjoyed mostly the most powerful tank armor of the time (outside the USSR). Until 1941, no German tank had enough cannon to overcome a Matilda II. Only the 88 mm anti-aircraft guns could pierce his armor.
After their baptism of fire during the counter-offensive in Arras, the Matilda achieved important successes in Africa against the Italians, in both Libya and Ethiopia. They remained the worst enemies of Rommel's tanks until the end of 1941.
Subsequently, their star dropped. The increase in the size of the German tanks put an end to their invulnerability. Its 40 mm gun was unable to engage the infantry or anti-tank guns remotely. They disappeared from the front from 1942 but the chassis was still adapted for specialized uses (demining, ...)Specifications :
Origin : United Kingdom
Production 2,987 units from 1940 to August 1943
Motorization 2 x AEC, diesel 174 Ch.
Maximum speed 24 km / h
Autonomy 256 km
Crew 4 men
Weight 26.5 tonnes
Length 5,50 m
Height 2.47 m
Width 2.39 m
Min Shielding: 20 mm / Max: 78 mm
Weapon 2 pounds Canon ROQF Mk IX; Besa 7.92 mm machine gun
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