Caloundra Military Museum Matilda
 

Back in the 1970's, while visiting relatives in Australia, I had an opportunity to visit the Caloundra Military Museum on the Sunshine Coast, and they had a very impressive Mk II Matilda Tank parked outside.

I know I have pictures of it somewhere, but my trip notes indicate the marking on the side of the hull was T19032 MT/4/II. I am not sure the museum even exists anymore, but do any of our Australian readers know if this tank still survives down there? It was almost as impressive as the girls that used to patrol the parking meters to keep them topped up with coin to help visitors to the Sunshine Coast avoid getting tickets. Hopefully that is not another piece of Australian history that has been lost...

Hi

I beleive this vehicle was originaly part of the Ken Hughes collection and was sold to a UK buyer at the dispersal sale at the Newcastle Museum.

I beleive the price was 13k.

Kind regards

You are confusing the Sunshine Coast with the GOLD COAST's Meter Girls. These bikini clad girls still patrol the streets down there today.

For everyone's information the Sunshine Coast is North of Brisbane and the Gold Coast is to the south of Brisbane in Queensland Australia. :)

My apologies for the confusion, Cliff.

I would blame the ravages of time on my mind for mixing up where the girls were, but it is far more likely the real culprit was an excessive amount of vegemite sandwiches washed down with a prolonged flood of finely chilled Australian beer!

Oddly enough, it didn't impair my recollection of where I spotted some military vehicles. Do I have my priorities right?!?...

Definately David but it would be even better if the girls were found alongside the military vehicles wouldn't it? :D