The Matilda II, also known as the Infantry Tank Mark II, was a British infantry tank used during World War Two. It featured heavy armor (up to 78mm thick), making it nearly impervious to early German anti-tank weapons. Armed with a QF 2-pounder (40mm) gun and a coaxial machine gun, it was designed to support infantry in slow, methodical advances. Although highly effective in the North African campaign, the Battle of Arras (21 May 1940) and against Italian forces, its slow speed (16 km/h) and weak armament limited its effectiveness against the later German tanks, like the Panzer IV. The Matilda II remained in service until mid-war, eventually being replaced by more versatile designs like the lighter and less costly Infantry Tank Mk III Valentine.
This Matilda II tank named “Defiance” is on display in the Musée des Blindes in Saumur, France.
