Mk.II Matilda

The Mark II "Matilda" (Mk.II) was a British tank of World War II. The armored combat vehicle weighed 27 tons and was armed with a 2-pounder[?] cannon. In the deserts of North Africa, the Mk.II often averaged ~9.5km per hour. The tank had frontal armor of ~7.5cm.

Production History The Matilda was first produced in 1937 but only two were in service when war broke out in September 1939. Some 2,987 were produced until 1943.

Variants

• Matilda I - First production model.
• Matilda II - New machine gun.
• Matilda III - New engines.
• Matilda III CS - Variant with 3 inch howitzer.
• Matilda IV - With improved engines.
• Matilda V - Improved gear box and gear shift.

Combat History The Matilda was first used in combat by the 4th and 7th Royal Tank Regiments in France in 1940.