Design Overview & Tactical Role
Christened the 'Queen of the Desert' for its invincible performance during the early desert battles in Egypt and Libya, the Matilda II possessed 78 mm of frontal armor—making it totally impervious to Italian anti-tank guns and all German tank guns in 1940-1941. Only German 8.8 cm FlaK anti-aircraft guns deployed in an anti-tank role could pierce its steel skin.
Combat History & Battle Records
During the Battle of Arras in May 1940, Matildas counterattacked Rommel's 7th Panzer Division, spreading panic and proving unkillable until Rommel personally ordered artillery to engage over open sights. In the Pacific, Australian Matildas crushed Japanese bunker fortifications in New Guinea and Borneo.
Related Armored Vehicles (World War II)
Modern
1998
Modern
2025
Cold War
1946
Cold War
1966