Community & Business
12 January, 2024
Best of 2023: Matilda tank and memorabilia depart to their new home in Newcastle
Those who have attended the local tractor pull, ANZAC Day and Coo-ee March events will have fond memories and indeed a few photos of the late Bill Cheal’s Matilda tank.
Wife Janet Cheal told The Gilgandra Weekly that since Mr Cheal’s passing last year the family have considered different options for the extensive, but mainly unrestored collection.
“Recently an offer was made, which will keep the important parts of the collection together, restoration will be completed and will finally be used to commemorate ANZAC Day each year at Wangi, near Newcastle,” said Mrs Cheal.
“We have a proud military history in Gilgandra because of the Coo-ee March and it seemed like a great place to build up a museum in tribute to all those who gave their lives for their country.
“As we watched Bill’s beloved Matilda tank disappear down the highway, on a float, it was the end of a dream that didn’t come true for Gilgandra,” said Mrs Cheal.
In February 1985, Mr Cheal purchased a Matilda tank at an auction at Croppa Creek.
“He had been wanting to acquire one for many years and even had a Matilda tank printed on his business card years before ‘Tilly’ came into his life.
“She wasn’t a ‘go-er’ but he was optimistic that he could bring her two Leyland engines back to life. With support from members of the Lancer’s Museum in Parramatta, and a number of dedicated local friends, the Matilda roared into life once again 28-years after being transported from Croppa Creek.
Encouraged by the late mayor, Anthony McGrane OAM and general manager Paul Mann, the Cheal’s tried to get started on the Coo-ee military museum. “It was begun in a small way”, said Mrs Cheal.
“Bill loved to show people his collection of the evolution of the Lee-Enfield .303 rifle and other memorabilia.
His aim was to have a track that the Matilda could be driven around. In 1985 there were World War II veterans who had driven tanks during the war and would love to have a drive once more and experience the sound, the smells, the sensations but not under enemy fire.”
“Over the years as they were growing up, our children - Richard, Geoff, Chris, and Helen - helped to build up the collection, by cleaning neglected vehicles (a terrible job at times), doing restoration work, pumping up tyres, steering towed vehicles and washing up parts. Washing up parts… a never ending job.”
About 10-years-ago, with a lot of practical help and encouragement from Graeme and Alan Smith, the tank was prepared for display at the Gilgandra Tractor and Machinery Club, Easter Saturday event, even competing in the tractor-pull. “Matilda beat them all, of course!” “Through a conversation at Sheepyard Pub (near Lightning Ridge) Chris Cheal suggested it would be good to have ‘Tilly’ at Sheepyard on ANZAC Day, which was a major, well-attended event, each year.
“In 2013, transported by Robert ‘Octo’ Thomas and stopping at a Coonamble school for a memorable Australian history lesson for the students, the Matilda proudly led the ANZAC Day march to the beautiful memorial built by the people of the surrounding area, many of whom are Vietnam veterans,” recalled Mrs Cheal. Gilgandra residents have been noticing activity at the Cheal residence recently.
Mrs Cheal said although it is with sadness that the family is saying goodbye to all these khaki vehicles, it is also wonderful that they are going to Tracy Vadnjal, “who appreciates Australian history, especially military history, as much as Bill did and who is able to restore them and use them to commemorate and honour those who fought for freedom in all wars”.
