The British WW2 Matilda II Infantry Tank entered service in 1939 and it served through out the whole of World War 2. As an infantry tank, it only required a low top speed as it was required to keep up with advancing infantry.

Its slow speed made it an easy target, so it was heavily armoured and relied on its 40mm main gun to dish out the necessary firepower to defend itself and the infantry it was advancing with.

Some 2900+ were manufactured in the UK, which had exceeded the pre-war orders and the number of manufactures also increased to keep up with orders, such as Vulcan Foundry (primary contractor), Fowler & Ruston, LMS Harland & Wolff and North British Locomotive.

The British WW2 Matilda II Infantry Tank Variants

Flamethrower
Anti-Mine Flail
Demolition
Bridge layer
Canal search light

The British WW2 Matilda II Infantry Tank Spec’s

Armaments – 40mm (2 pndr) and 7.92mm MG
Armour – Cast steel 13 to 78mm thick
Crew – 4
Dimensions – Length 5.61m / Width 2.59m / Height 2.51m
Weight – 26.0 tonne
Top road speed – 24km/h
Operational range – 257km