Product Details
The Tank, Infantry, Mk III, Valentine was an infantry tank produced in the United Kingdom during the Second World War. More than 8,000 of the type were produced in 11 marks plus various purpose-built variants, accounting for approximately a quarter of wartime British tank production.
The many variants included riveted and welded construction, petrol and diesel powerplants and a progressive increase in armament. It was supplied in large numbers to the USSR and built under licence in Canada. Developed by Vickers, it proved to be both strong and reliable.
Valentine IV. A Mark II using an American 138 hp GMC 6004 diesel engine and US-made transmission. Though it had slightly shorter range, it was quieter and highly reliable.
In Soviet service the Valentine was used from the Battle of Moscow until the end of the war, mainly in second line. Although criticized for its low speed and weak gun, the Valentine was liked due to its small size, reliability, and generally good armour protection. Soviet Supreme Command asked for its production till the end of the war.