Photo from the Tank Museum FB account

For #MatildaMonday on 9 December 2024, a Matilda from Operation Compass, which launched in earnest on 9 December 1940. I will be making a couple of other posts today.

If you look closely you will see an unofficial knotwork marking in front of the driver's hatch.
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IWM photo E 6918 After some of the heaviest fighting of the North African campaign, infantry of the 2nd New Zealand Division link up with Matilda tanks of the Tobruk garrison. The New Zealanders had fought along the coast road to relieve Tobruk and end the eight month siege. Infantry of the 2nd New Zealand Division link up with Matilda tanks of the Tobruk garrison during Operation 'Crusader', Libya, 2 December 1941.

"Join up of Tobruk garrison and 8th Army in Tobruk during the 2nd Libyan campaign of World War II. Taken by an unidentified photographer on 27 November 1941." NZ National Library DA-01667-F Notes on back of file print include " 19 NZ Bn - Ed Duda, Ed Duda, [30 or 20 unsure of which - writing unclear] Tank Bde - Ed Duda https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22742412

For #MatildaMonday here are a couple of photos that I believe show the linkup between 2nd New Zealand Division and the Tobruk garrison during Operation Crusader, 27 Dec 1941. The garrison executed a series of "bite and hold" breakout attacks using artillery, infantry, and Matildas.

I could definitely get behind #matildamonday as an excuse to post blue Caunter.

#fireflyfriday?
#matildamonday?
#sextonsaturday (not a tank, I know but...)
#shermansaturday?

A close personal acquaintance recently told me I'm more than one meme and should move on from #MatildaMonday. Whether this is an improvement remains to be seen...
youtu.be/PI4g2uw52TM?...