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The FReeper Foxhole's TreadHead Tuesday - Matilda I,(A11) & Matilda II (A12) - Oct. 26th, 2004
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Posted on 10/25/2004 10:38:21 PM PDT by SAMWolf
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Australian Service History
The Matilda filled an urgent need for a tank to operate in New Guinea. Approximately 140 tanks were provided by Britain in early 1942, and these vehicles subsequently proved suitable for jungle operations.
In training in 1942
In 1943, flamethrower and bulldozer versions were produced, they were used in Borneo by 2/1 Armoured Brigade Reconnaissance Squadron.
Many of the tanks were fitted with a variety of battle-field modifications, including wire mesh over the engine covers, spare track links on the hull and/or pierced steel planking (PSP) which was normally used in the construction of aircraft runways. It was also a common practice to festoon the exterior of vehicles with additional stores and personal items of equipment.
An example of the strength of the tank was shown in an action at Pabu Hill near Sattleberg (NB: There is a fine sculpture of a Matilda, titled "The Sattleberg Tank" in the Museum). On this occasion, a tank assisting the infantry was engaged and disabled at a range of less than 50 metres, by a Japanese 37 mm gun. Later a 75 mm gun, anti-tank mines and grenades were used against the tank.
Although it was hit more than 50 times, the crew continued to fight the vehicle until its ammunition had been expended. They then managed to escape from the vehicle and return to it the following day. It was subsequently repaired and put back into action one day later.
During the South Western Pacific Campaign, the Matilda served with distinction as part of the 1st Army Tank Battalion (The Royal New South Wales Lancers) and 1st Armoured Regiment (The Royal New South Wales Lancers). With their war service completed, Matilda's were relegated to a training role and were in service with the 1st RNSWL until 1955, when they were finally retired.
1
posted on
10/25/2004 10:38:23 PM PDT
by
SAMWolf
To: snippy_about_it; PhilDragoo; Johnny Gage; Victoria Delsoul; The Mayor; Darksheare; Valin; ...
Matilda in Soviet Service
Matlidas being unloaded in Russia
The heavy infantry tank Mk II "Matilda" served from the beginning of World War Two. The largeest usage of this tank was in Northern Africa and on the Eastern Front.
Soviet infantry in attack. 1942.
This 27-ton tank was protected by 78 mm frontal armor and armed with a 42 mm gun. Depending on modification, tanks had either two 6-cylinder AEC diesel engines or 6-cylinder "Leyland" diesel engines with a total power of 174 h.p. or 190 h.p., which provided it with 24 km/h - quite enough for the infantry support tank. In 1941-1942 "Matilda" was invulnerable to any German tanks and AT-guns except their heavy 88 mm AA-guns.
Tank of four Heroes.
The main armament of the "Matilda" was equal to the Russian 45 mm tank gun - the most common Russian weapon at the beginning of the war, that theoretically was able to destroy any German tank in 1941-1942.
The British help for Russia. Winter 1941-1942.
The engine and the planetary gear-box were rather reliable, but the well protected running gear was too complex and quickly broke down because of the rough Russian terrain. 2987 tanks were produced and 1084 vehicles were sent to the USSR untill August 1943.
Additional Sources: www.lancers.org.au
www.battlefield.ru
mailer.fsu.edu
ww2photo.mimerswell.com
2
posted on
10/25/2004 10:39:18 PM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Grow your own dope. Plant a Democrat!)
To: All
The Matilda Mark II tank was a development of the Matilda I Infantry Tank whose main armament consisted of no more than either a .303 or a .50 Vickers mg. Such was the thinking behind pre World War II tank development in many Countries (including Britain) that it was considered that the fitting of larger calibre weapons was not warranted.
Matilda used in the defence of Malta
The Matilda Mark II arose out of a need to provide a better armoured and armed vehicle, which could act in the role of an infantry support tank.
For its time, the Matilda II was a heavily armoured vehicle and it was particularly successful in the early years of WW II at Arras, France 1940 and in the Western Desert during 1940-1941.
Unfortunately, its performance was hindered by its small calibre gun and relatively slow cross country performance. (NB: See notes on the Centurion Tank to see how much British tank development changed during World War II). Despite its shortcomings, it was more than capable of being used aggressively. This was especially demonstrated in the Western Desert where it was virtually immune against anti-tank and tank guns of the day. In its early conflicts in the Western Desert, its value as a shock assault weapon was significant and it soon earned the title "Queen of the Battlefield". Unfortunately, it was soon outclassed by better enemy tanks and the German's 88mm gun. However, it found a renewed operational life in the Pacific.
Although the design ideas were sound for their time, the Matilda could not be up-gunned as the turret ring was too small to accept a larger tank gun. However, it was found that a low velocity 3 in. howitzer could be fitted as a substitute for the tank gun. Such a weapon proved invaluable when operating against infantry, light skinned vehicles, bunkers and other fortifications.
Mechanically, the Matilda possessed a hydraulic, power operated turret. Its twin engines were linked through an epicyclic gearbox, which in turn drove a pair of rear sprockets. The suspension consisted of sets of bogies which were linked together and worked against horizontal compression springs. |
3
posted on
10/25/2004 10:39:47 PM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Grow your own dope. Plant a Democrat!)
To: All
Here are the recommended holiday mailing dates for military mail this year:
For military mail addressed
TO APO and FPO addresses, the mailing dates are:
- Parcel Post - November 13
- Space Available - November 27
- Parcel Airlift - December 4
- Priority Mail, First Class cards and letters - Mailing date is December 11 to all locations
- EXCEPT for locations starting with ZIP 093. For all locations starting with ZIP 093 the mailing date is December 6.
- Express Mail - December 20 to locations where Express Mail service is available. Check with your local post office to determine which APO/FPO addresses can receive Express Mail. Note: This service is not available to ships.
------
For military mail
FROM APO and FPO addresses, the mailing dates are:
- Space Available - November 20
- Parcel Airlift - December 4
- Priority Mail, First Class cards and letters - December 11
- Express Mail - December 18 from APO/FPO addresses where Express Mail can be accepted. Check with your local military post office to determine if they can accept Express Mail. Note: This service is not available from ships.
Thanks for the information StayAtHomeMother
Veterans for Constitution Restoration is a non-profit, non-partisan educational and grassroots activist organization. The primary area of concern to all VetsCoR members is that our national and local educational systems fall short in teaching students and all American citizens the history and underlying principles on which our Constitutional republic-based system of self-government was founded. VetsCoR members are also very concerned that the Federal government long ago over-stepped its limited authority as clearly specified in the United States Constitution, as well as the Founding Fathers' supporting letters, essays, and other public documents.
Actively seeking volunteers to provide this valuable service to Veterans and their families.
UPDATED THROUGH APRIL 2004
The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul
Click on Hagar for
"The FReeper Foxhole Compiled List of Daily Threads"
4
posted on
10/25/2004 10:41:39 PM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Grow your own dope. Plant a Democrat!)
To: shield; A Jovial Cad; Diva Betsy Ross; Americanwolf; CarolinaScout; Tax-chick; Don W; Poundstone; ..
"FALL IN" to the FReeper Foxhole!
It's TreadHead Tuesday!
Good Morning Everyone
If you would like added to our ping list let us know.
If you'd like to drop us a note you can write to:
The Foxhole
19093 S. Beavercreek Rd. #188
Oregon City, OR 97045
5
posted on
10/25/2004 10:42:50 PM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
To: mostly cajun; archy; Gringo1; Matthew James; Fred Mertz; Squantos; colorado tanker; The Shrew; ...
Free Republic Treadhead Ping
mostly cajun ;archy; Gringo1; Matthew James; Fred Mertz; Squantos; colorado tanker; The Shrew; SLB; Darksheare; BCR #226; IDontLikeToPayTaxes; Imacatfish; Tailback; DCBryan1; Eaker; Archangelsk; gatorbait; river rat; Lee'sGhost; Dionysius; BlueLancer; Frohickey; GregB; leadpenny; skepsel; Proud Legions; King Prout; Professional Engineer; alfa6; bluelancer; Cannoneer No.4; An Old Man; hookman; DMZFrank; in the Arena; Bethbg79; neverdem; NWU Army ROTC; ma bell; MoJo2001; The Sailor; dcwusmc; dts32041; spectr17; Rockpile; Theophilus
************Snippy, I bequeath to you the FR TH PL.
148 posted on 08/24/2004 11:39:45 AM PDT by Cannoneer No. 4 (I've lost turret power; I have my nods and my .50. Hooah. I will stay until relieved. White 2 out.)
Cannoneer, we miss you. :-)
6
posted on
10/25/2004 10:44:19 PM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
To: snippy_about_it
Good Night Snippy.
Lots to get done and time is running short.
7
posted on
10/25/2004 10:44:22 PM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Grow your own dope. Plant a Democrat!)
To: SAMWolf
Good night Sam. I'll see you bright and early!
8
posted on
10/25/2004 10:45:27 PM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
To: snippy_about_it
9
posted on
10/26/2004 1:49:50 AM PDT
by
Aeronaut
(This is no ordinary time. And George W. Bush is no ordinary leader." --George Pataki)
To: snippy_about_it
Good morning, Snippy and everyone at the Freeper Foxhole.
10
posted on
10/26/2004 3:03:30 AM PDT
by
E.G.C.
To: snippy_about_it; SAMWolf; manna; All
Waltzing Matilda Bump for Treadhead Tuesday in the Freeper Foxhole.
HI manna
How about an RAF Phantom to go with a British Tank, eh
Well off to work I must go, dangnabit.
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
11
posted on
10/26/2004 3:08:25 AM PDT
by
alfa6
(He who hath, so hath who he)
To: snippy_about_it; SAMWolf; All
October 26, 2004
Lost Treasure
Read: Mark 10:17-27
Sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Mark 10:21
Bible In One Year: Jeremiah 9-11; 1 Timothy 6
Don takes walks on the city's railroad tracks and searches under freeway overpasses. He's not looking for lost treasure; he's looking for homeless people. Don met Jake, who lives in a makeshift underground shack and is mentally ill. He stops by to see Jake occasionally, making sure he's warm and has food. He tells Jake about Jesus because he wants him to find "treasure in heaven."
Jesus talked about this treasure with a rich young man who asked Him how to inherit eternal life. Jesus said, "Sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me" (Mark 10:21).
Jesus wasn't teaching that we must give up our wealth to be acceptable to Him. We can never earn eternal life by our works. He was showing this man his spiritual bankruptcy. His heart was set on wealth, not Jesus.
That rich young man and our homeless friend have more in common than we might think. In the eyes of God, both are spiritually bankrupt. We all are, unless we have Jesus.
No good deed can earn eternal lifenot helping the homeless or giving away all our money. Jesus wants us to give Him our heart. Then we'll have real treasuretreasure in heavenand we'll seek to help others. Anne Cetas
What shall I give Thee, Master?
Giver of gifts divine;
I will not hold time, talents, or gold
For everything shall be Thine. Grimes
Salvation is given, not earned.
12
posted on
10/26/2004 4:28:06 AM PDT
by
The Mayor
(No one is hopeless whose hope is in God.)
To: snippy_about_it; SAMWolf
Good morning, Foxhole! Another great Tuesday thread - thank you for the great read.
I hope you are doing well - and Sam, I love your tagline!
13
posted on
10/26/2004 6:17:40 AM PDT
by
Colonel_Flagg
("Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects." -- Lester Pearson)
To: snippy_about_it; SAMWolf; Professional Engineer; Samwise; PhilDragoo; Matthew Paul; radu; ...
Good morning everyone.
To: snippy_about_it; bentfeather; Samwise
Good morning ladies. Flag-o-gram.
The flash this morning hides the fact that there was SOME light in the sky.
15
posted on
10/26/2004 6:30:55 AM PDT
by
Professional Engineer
(I stuck around Texas when I saw it was time for a change. Killed the computer and it's peripherals.)
To: Aeronaut
16
posted on
10/26/2004 6:33:42 AM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Grow your own dope. Plant a Democrat!)
To: Professional Engineer
Good morning, PE. Fantastic Old Glory is up!! Congratulations!!
To: E.G.C.
Morning E.G.C.
Looks like rain again this morning. Surprise!!
18
posted on
10/26/2004 6:35:05 AM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Grow your own dope. Plant a Democrat!)
To: alfa6
Morning alfa6.
I liked the Phantom, it had really nice lines. It was always nice the see them flying overhead.
19
posted on
10/26/2004 6:36:10 AM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Grow your own dope. Plant a Democrat!)
To: The Mayor
Morning Mayor.
Salvation is given, not earned.
Never thought of it that way, we're always told we have to "earn" just about everything.
20
posted on
10/26/2004 6:37:39 AM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Grow your own dope. Plant a Democrat!)
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