Type: Infantry Tank
Nation: United Kingdom
Period: World War 2
Location: The Tank Museum, Bovington, UK
Queen of the desert
The 27-ton Matilda II was one of the most heavily armoured tanks of its time, comparable only to the French Char B1 bis. Designed as an infantry tank, its role was to break through enemy lines – so being able to take a punch was therefore more important than speed and mobility. The first prototype had been ready in April 1938, but as production went slowly only two dozen Matilda IIs were deployed in France to face the German invasion in the summer of 1940. In the first half of World War 2 the Matilda proved to be a tough opponent for the Axis forces, earning it the nickname “Queen of the desert” in North Africa.
Old glory
This particular vehicle was manufactured by the North British Locomotive Company on 28 May 1941. It was used at the School of Tank Technology in Bovington and became a part of The Tank Museum’s collection in 1949. For decades it was painted in the distinctive “Caunter” desert camouflage scheme and bore the name “Golden Miller” From 2015 to 2018 it was extensively restored back to running condition – the documentation of which can be found on YouTube. Nowadays it is called „The Princess Royal“ in honour of Princess Anne, who opened the museum’s workshop. The tank regularly participates in the museum’s live events alongside its old opponents such as Tiger 131 and an Afrikakorps Panzer III.
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