Australian crews reworked the Matilda's protection for jungle terrain and close assaults. Welded armour panels guarded the turret ring, while heavy shields kept undergrowth from working between the tracks and track guards. Crews hung spare track around the front and sides of the hull for more protection. Expanded-metal panels at the rear frustrated Japanese sticky bombs and other demolition devices, and wire mesh covered the engine deck. Each change answered a hazard encountered at very short range or in dense terrain.
Notable Point · 7:12-8:05
Australian Matilda protection modifications
Australian field changes protected the Matilda against jungle obstruction, close-range demolition attacks, and vulnerable openings around the turret and engine deck.