Although obsolete in the European theatre, the A12 Matilda II Infantry Tank’s heavy armor and proven weaponry were ideal against the lightly equipped Japanese forces in the Far East.
The nature of the terrain in the Far East made the large armored formations experienced in North Africa nearly impossible. Instead, the Matilda IIs of theAustralian 4th Armored Brigade were broken up and deployed as individual troops of three tanks in direct support to the infantry.
The Australians made several field conversions to the standard A12 Matilda II, the two main additions being armored guards fitted to the front tracks and protection against the turret ring becoming a shot trap.
The Matilda Frog was a terrifying weapon, firing gouts of pressurized flame. Needing a 20-second pause between shots while the pressure built up again, it required close infantry support to prevent the tank being overrun by the enemy.
