Tanks for the Memories

NSW cattle producer Matt McMahon has more than a military story to tell with his massive collection of Australian WWII tanks and carriers. After many of these massive machines retired from active service they were transformed by resourceful farmers and used to tame some of the most rugged terrain into viable farmland.

McMahon’s ‘farm shed’ includes five Matilda tanks, a Centurion, three Bren Gun Carriers and a handful of old jeeps. He and a group of like-minded mates and acquaintances get together most weekends to work on the historical hulks to bring them back to working condition. 

It’s not all hard slog in the shed for the ‘Busted Arse Tank Repairs and Co’. They also get to take the tanks out for a run on the farm, although with the British-built Matildas guzzling about six gallons an hour in diesel, and others taking three and a half gallons of petrol just to cover just 100 yards, the trials are more a reward for effort than a frivolous paddock bash.

McMahon told the ABC recently that the BATRAC members were not about glorifying war or playing war games. Instead he said it was more about paying tribute to the people, the men and women that made the machines in the late 30s early 40s and the role they played in giving everybody the freedom that they now enjoy.

The McMahon collection started after the Second World War when Matt’s father John, like many farmers, snapped-up the machines being sold off by the Government.  McMahon said tanks helped shape many Australian properties including his own, where his father cleared land and built dams with a converted Matilda tank (pictured).

Back then a Matilda in working order could cost as little a few quid and was a cheap alternative to the expensive bulldozers needed to clear land. Today these same tanks could fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars. A WWII flamethrower version was offered for sale recently for “just $220,000”.

Today retired tanks are not generally offered for public sale and are instead offered only to special interest groups such as RSL and service clubs or associations. 

A Little History

The first Centurion tanks came to Australia in 1952. Army had actually purchased the model in 1950 but these tanks were instead transferred to the 8th King's Royal Regiment, Irish Hussars at the outbreak of the Korean War.  

In February 1952 Mk3 Centurions entered service with 1st Armoured Regiment. Each had 20 pounder guns and .30 cal. Browning MG's. According to the Royal New South Wales Lancers Lancer Barracks and Museum the tank training area around Puckapunyal proved a severe testing ground for the Centurion, in particular its suspension system, yet it proved to be a most robust vehicle.

In 1968 the Centurion join Australia’s task force in Vietnam. Despite initial scepticism about the effectiveness of the tank in jungles and paddy fields, it proved itself a capable asset and was instrumental in the defence of Fire Support Bases Coral' and Balmoral', during the Tet offensive of 1968; in fighting around Binh Ba; and in a number of offensive operations in Phouc Tuy Province.  By 1971, when the tanks were withdrawn, all three Squadrons of 1st. Armoured Regiment had served in South Vietnam, with C Squadron having served twice.

The last Australian Centurion in service was with B Squadron until 1977. The replacement was the Leopard.