WWII tank to celebrate anniversary of last battle in style after discovery on NSW farm

An old WWII tank discovered in NSW’s Southern Highlands will hopefully be restored in time to be driven on the 70th anniversary of the battle it led in 1945.

The tank, nicknamed Ace, led 50 Matilda tanks at the Battle of Balikpapan in Borneo in the dying days of the war.

It remains to this day Australia’s largest ever armoured assault.

When the fighting was done, all but three of the tanks were destroyed.

Ace and two other vehicles were sent to Australia and sold to farmers – who took the turrets off and used the vehicles as tractor substitutes.

Ace was found more than 50 years later, well-preserved in a paddock in the Southern Highlands.

The NSW Landers Memorial Museum have been undertaking the restoration of the tank, though without an owner’s manual work has been difficult.

It is hoped Ace will be mobile again by July, ready to roll out on the anniversary.