The Tank Museum, in Bovington, United Kingdom, is home to two Matilda II tanks – one that’s been restored and the other that’s not in running order. They’re some of the most interesting World War II-era vehicles the museum has on-site, and it’s now giving fans a closer look at them with the release of a new book
Titled The Tank Museum Guide to Matilda, the book, which features a forward from David Willey, the Tank Museum’s curator, is a written journey of the Matilda II‘s over 80-year history. It also provides readers with an inside look at the restoration of the one that’s since been returned to running order through never-before-released photos.
Entering service in 1939 and serving throughout the Second World War and beyond, the Matilda II saw extensive action during the North Africa Campaign. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Desert” by the Germans and Italian, the British tank notably engaged in the Battle of Arras in France, with additional action seen in the Pacific Theater, the Soviet Union and in other parts of Africa.
As aforementioned, the Tank Museum is home to two Matilda IIs. The one that’s been restored was built in May 1941 and was sent to the School of Tank Technology, before being delivered to the museum in 1949. It has been renamed for Princess Anne.
The second tank, which isn’t in running order, was built in 1939-40 and was recovered from a firing range. It served as a gate-guard with the Royal Tank Regiment and had its insides completely stripped. It has since underwent an exterior restoration to provide it with a new paint scheme.
Speaking in a press release, Simon Prager, chief operating officer at the Tank Museum, said:
“The Matilda was a decisive weapon at the Battle of Arras and in North Africa. We are pleased to release this insightful new guide that tells the story of how the Matilda was born, its history, and how we restored our Matilda back to running order.
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