About the author
My interest in Matilda tanks started when my father bought a Matilda II fitted with a cable blade in
the early 70’s for dam sinking and tree felling on our property.
Since than my collection of military vehicles has grown and many projects have been undertaken,
I now own 4 Matildas in various forms, 2 Bren Carriers, 1 Centurian and some blitz trucks.
Some of the gadgets from the collection
Matilda II 400030
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Download the big pics by clicking on the small pics...
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Download the big pics by clicking on the small pics...
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Built by B.P and Co Ltd
This is my favourite machine and is still under restoration, Originally fitted with AEC engines
(A183 & A184) and latter changed to E148 / E149 Leyland motors this machine is very reliable and
has made the trip to town and back for several street parades.
This vehicle was made in 1939 and has
the features of the early models including Louvres in the front sponsons (covered by the crew to control dust),
Track return rollers, (now converted to return skids) oil coolers over the fuel tanks, and Lift up suspension
covers etc.
The drive train was fully rebuilt in the early 90’s following a nasty incident, which resulted
in one motor seizing solid after loosing all the coolant.
Matilda II Mk4 Dozer 46101
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Built by Fowlers
This machine was bought in 1999 and is in a sad condition but will be fully rebuilt.
The vehicle is of very early design and has no emergency escape hatch under the driver’s seat.
The hydraulic blade controls are complete and still in the original position however the rear of the
Hull is looking like a second hand lawn mower, I do however have extensive hull plates spare off
the hull of “ASP” and part of another hull.
This Tank as well as the Hull of Casanova in the background are now in the shed waiting for the rebuild.
Matilda III CS 29920 Adonis
Much to my mothers delight (not) this Hull was obtained after a trip to help an old mate with his fine example of a late
model Matilda, Henry and I found the hull and before I knew what I was doing it was mine.
I guess this is better than having it go for scrap!
The hull is in very bad condition but the gearbox and some gadgets are ok. The tracks were seized
and very stiff however I have freed them up and you can now move the hull around.
Centurian 169 129 Armageddon
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Download the big pics by clicking on the small pics...
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The next 5 photos are turret interior. The first two are taken from the
rear of the turret, behind the gun shield looking forward. The breech
is the green area at the bottom of the photo.
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Download the big pics by clicking on the small pics...
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This is the loader's view of the gunner's position.
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The gunner's postion. The large clock like device is gradauted in
"mils" and is used when an external observer is correcting the tank's
fire (similar to the way artillery works, where the gun is located
in such a way that the crew cannot see the target).
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Looking from the loader's position towards the commander's position. He
sits directly behind the gunner, who is unable to leave his position
until the commander first leaves.
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Download the big pics by clicking on the small pics...
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Download the big pics by clicking on the small pics...
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Download the big pics by clicking on the small pics...
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Something you rarely see, a Centurion at speed!
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This tank was built in 1951 and was used by the 11th BA Division until coming to Australia.
Bought by me a few years ago it was running but had been neglected and the engine was like a
second hand lawn mower, smoke; you’ve never seen so much smoke and in 99 we decided to give
the old girl a complete overhaul.
During the rebuild we replaced the engine, Fuel system, Clutch, Rotary coupling in the turret, and
rebuilt and inspected the Aux generator and the rest of the drive system.
This old girl now runs like a new car and has also been to town for the street parade.
Comment from Doug: I can see how much hard work has gone into his vehicles
and am impressed, an engine change on a Centurion is regarded as a nightmare
job by most collectors.
The Carriers
We bought hull number 308 SAR at a clearing sale at Bathurst for ten dollars in the late 70’s and
within a few days Dad had the 21 stud ford side valve motor running like new.
This carrier had been cut down; however, it provided years of fun on and around the farm.
This year I found a hull in central Queensland and took it home thinking I could use it for something.
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The Hull had some extensive blast damage to the floor in the gunner’s position and also in the
engine compartment. In April this year we bit the bullet and decided to make two good examples
out of the three.
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At my brothers shed we removed the top armour to use on carrier # 308 and all the running gear to
use on another SAR hull # 2118 that I obtained from the Forbes area.
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Download the big pics by clicking on the small pics...
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Download the big pics by clicking on the small pics...
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These two photos show my brother Darren and mate Robbie welding the top armour back
on to hull 308, In the background you can see the other Hull waiting its turn.
As you can see there is plenty to do but I am lucky to have plenty of spares and lots of
friend and family up to the task so no matter how bad it seems it always can be rebuilt.
Many thanks to Mathew for an interesting article.
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