How many tanks are there in a “tillie” of Matilda’s?

An Australian A12 Matilda II.

58 of Course! A squadron includes 5 fighting troops and 1 HQ troop, totaling 18 tanks. A “Tropical” Armoured Regiment Tropical Scale’ comprises of 3 of the above squadrons. and four HQ tanks.

“The 2/1 Recce Squadron had a slightly different structure as a result of preparatory training in cooperation with the Matilda Frog flame tanks that were to be deployed with the squadron.The tactics that had been developed involved a formation of one troop of 3 gun tanks and one troop of 3 flame tanks for a total of 6 tanks. The formation would advance in line ahead in the order of two gun tanks, followed by two flame tanks, with a gun tank behind and finally a flame tank bringing up the rear.”

“When a target was engaged, the lead gun tanks would break off to provide crossfire from the flanks while the two flame tanks closed the range. The flame tank and gun tank in the rear provided further covering fire and security in the event of an enemy ambush. Thus, the formation could mutually support its members with both gunfire and flame attack from any direction with any of the required tanks on hand to exploit any success or cover for withdrawal as needed.” The Tank Encyclopaedia.

Balikpapan was the largest single deployment of Australian armor in the entire Second World War. With a total of 33 Armoured Fighting Vehicles landing on day 1.