Matilda I
Properly known as the Tank Infantry, Mark I, Matilda I (A11) - quite the mouthful! It was a British infantry tank of WWII but is not to be confused with the later model Tank Infantry Mk II (A12), also known as the "Matilda II".
The development, of the design by Carden at Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd, began in 1935. It resulted in a small two-man vehicle with a low hull and a small cast turret in which its only weapon, a .303-calibre or .50-calibre Vickers machine-gun, was mounted. Designed for quick delivery, the A11 used many stock parts from other vehicles: a Ford V8 engine, a Fordson gearbox, a steering mechanism similar to the one used in Vickers light tanks, and suspension adapted from the Mk IV Dragon artillery tractor that was itself based on the Vickers 6-Ton Tank Model E. The overriding objective was economy: development spending was limited to £15,000 and individual tanks cost about £5,000.
The 65mm thick armour was intended to enable the tank to operate in the fire-swept zone between opposing armies. Clearly those responsible for the Matilda I’s specification thought that any future war would resemble WWI! Although the hull and turret were well protected against contemporary anti-tank weapons, the tracks and running gear were completely exposed. In addition, the lack of a gun with any anti-tank ability severely limited its utility on the battlefield; its slow 8 mph speed also meant it couldn't get away from enemy tanks! Besides operating the machine gun, the commander had to direct the driver and operate the wireless. There being no room in the turret for the wireless, it was placed in the hull and the commander had to duck down inside to operate it - clearly ergonomics was a science yet to arrive...
The first order of 60 tanks was placed in April 1937, and the tank remained in production until August 1940 and a total of 140 were manufactured. The first production vehicles were delivered in February 1939. The first vehicles were issued to the 4th, 7th and 8th Battalions of the Royal Tank Corps. The Matilda I (55) and Matilda II tanks fought together in France as part of the 1st Army Tank Brigade of the BEF in the Battle of France. 4 RTR participated in the famous but abortive attack against Rommel’s 7th Panzer Division near Arras on 21 May 1940. After initial British successes, the Germans found that the 88mm Flak 18 gun could pierce the Matilda I’s armour, firing in the anti-tank role.
When the BEF returned to the UK, nearly all their armour was left behind. Matilda Mk Is in the UK were withdrawn from operational service and used for training. Recent evidence suggests that among the large number captured in France, some were employed by the Germans as internal security vehicles, probably in Poland. Three are preserved at the Bovington Tank Museum. One is in running condition, one is on display (and shown above) and the third is a severely damaged wreck that was used as a gunnery range target.
Matilda I
Properly known as the Tank Infantry, Mark I, Matilda I (A11) - quite the mouthful! It was a British infantry tank of WWII but is not to be confused with the later model Tank Infantry Mk II (A12), also known as the "Matilda II".
The development, of the design by Carden at Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd, began in 1935. It resulted in a small two-man vehicle with a low hull and a small cast turret in which its only weapon, a .303-calibre or .50-calibre Vickers machine-gun, was mounted. Designed for quick delivery, the A11 used many stock parts from other vehicles: a Ford V8 engine, a Fordson gearbox, a steering mechanism similar to the one used in Vickers light tanks, and suspension adapted from the Mk IV Dragon artillery tractor that was itself based on the Vickers 6-Ton Tank Model E. The overriding objective was economy: development spending was limited to £15,000 and individual tanks cost about £5,000.
The 65mm thick armour was intended to enable the tank to operate in the fire-swept zone between opposing armies. Clearly those responsible for the Matilda I’s specification thought that any future war would resemble WWI! Although the hull and turret were well protected against contemporary anti-tank weapons, the tracks and running gear were completely exposed. In addition, the lack of a gun with any anti-tank ability severely limited its utility on the battlefield; its slow 8 mph speed also meant it couldn't get away from enemy tanks! Besides operating the machine gun, the commander had to direct the driver and operate the wireless. There being no room in the turret for the wireless, it was placed in the hull and the commander had to duck down inside to operate it - clearly ergonomics was a science yet to arrive...
The first order of 60 tanks was placed in April 1937, and the tank remained in production until August 1940 and a total of 140 were manufactured. The first production vehicles were delivered in February 1939. The first vehicles were issued to the 4th, 7th and 8th Battalions of the Royal Tank Corps. The Matilda I (55) and Matilda II tanks fought together in France as part of the 1st Army Tank Brigade of the BEF in the Battle of France. 4 RTR participated in the famous but abortive attack against Rommel’s 7th Panzer Division near Arras on 21 May 1940. After initial British successes, the Germans found that the 88mm Flak 18 gun could pierce the Matilda I’s armour, firing in the anti-tank role.
When the BEF returned to the UK, nearly all their armour was left behind. Matilda Mk Is in the UK were withdrawn from operational service and used for training. Recent evidence suggests that among the large number captured in France, some were employed by the Germans as internal security vehicles, probably in Poland. Three are preserved at the Bovington Tank Museum. One is in running condition, one is on display (and shown above) and the third is a severely damaged wreck that was used as a gunnery range target.