Description

The Matilda II is without doubt one of the iconic British tanks of Second World War, and for a short period it enjoyed an enviable reputation of being almost impervious to most enemy anti-tank guns. One commentator looking back on its contribution stated that at the time of its introduction into service 'it was undoubtedly the best tank in the world'.

It was not without many flaws; nonetheless, nearly 3,000 were built and it saw service in France in 1940, during the campaigns in Libya and Tunisia from 1940 to 1943, on the Steppes of Russia, and even in the jungles of the Pacific. It was the only British tank that was in frontline service when the Germans invaded Poland and was still in frontline service when the Japanese surrendered.

Known by many as the Queen of the Desert, for about eighteen months it was regarded by the Italians and Germans as a golem; it would not be stretching a point to suggest that in that time it was considered by its opponents as a sort of bogey-tank that was nearly impossible to destroy, much as the German Tiger came to be regarded later in the war.