Valentine saved in Western Australia

[eddy8men]

i've always liked valentines, it was a well thought out little tank and had a fighting chance against german armour once the 6 pdr gun was fitted.

any news on the restoration.

eddy

[maple_leaf_eh]

Years ago I corresponded with a Brit who found a DD Valentine. When his pulse resumed its normal rate, he decided to be responsible (?) and give this tank its due. He had a heart to heart with the Residential Sergeant Major. She acknowledged the discovery was going to change her husband's life, but accepted his mission.

One thing that I remember from the reconstruction was how each tank was built individually. The workshop crew would 'consult' the drawings, then go to the tank and attach whatever was next on the build. Bolt holes weren't symetrical from side to side. Hinges weren't evenly balanced or turning on the same throw. Just about anything installed was different. Good luck with the Valentine, and bear in mind the drawings were never followed slavishly. They were a guide.

[eddy8men]

i've spoken to john pearson(dd val) about valentines as i'm looking for one for myself. he was kind enough to let me know the location of several range wrecks that i later visited, although they were totally blown apart they blew the rivets so it was more like a kit of parts than a normal shot up wreck.

eddy

[The Bedford Boys]

Originally Posted by eddy8men

i've always liked valentines, it was a well thought out little tank and had a fighting chance against german armour once the 6 pdr gun was fitted.

any news on the restoration.

eddy

Have you ever sat in a Val eddy? If you havent, go do so and then tell me it's a well thought out little tank!! They are a ba**ard!!! You have to fold yourself up like a piece of oragami, and with your feet on the pedals, you could literally kiss your own a**. They are typically english.

[Lynn Eades]

which WWII tank did you find comfortable and spacious?

[The Bedford Boys]

M3A1 Stuart isn't too bad.

[Roddy de Normann]

Good Evening Rod, good evening all...

Ref the Valentine, do you have an veh details from the makers plate - would be very interested in the WD T Number...

Thanks

Roddy

[eddy8men]

i've never been in a valentine but i'm working on it. i don't think they built them for comfort or even speed for that matter but i still like it, it looks well proportioned and relatively modern looking when compared to it's contemparies ie- matilda 1,2 and churchill. i was reading a book not long ago which described 2x6pdr vals stalking and killing a tiger in the tall grass of the russian steps. not bad for a little tank

eddy

[Lynn Eades]

is an infantry tank, built to travel with soldiers on foot. So, not fast.
I agree Eddie, not a bad looking tank for that time. I fitted in them no trouble at all...when I was 10.

[Rod Diery]

Originally Posted by Roddy1011

Good Evening Rod, good evening all...

Ref the Valentine, do you have an veh details from the makers plate - would be very interested in the WD T Number...

Thanks

Roddy

I don't think there is a makers plate still on it. I will check again when I can.
Cheers
Rod

[tankbarrell]

Originally Posted by The Bedford Boys

Have you ever sat in a Val eddy? If you havent, go do so and then tell me it's a well thought out little tank!! They are a ba**ard!!! You have to fold yourself up like a piece of oragami, and with your feet on the pedals, you could literally kiss your own a**. They are typically english.

I am tall, long legged and not known for my origami abilities but I managed to drive a Valentine ok and that was with a recently broken arm which meant I had to change gear with my left hand......

I will admit my Sherman is a bit roomier...

[Bob Cohoon]

I think the Valentine had the quality of being hard to hit due to its low profile and compactness ,qualities someone realized at Vickers and a lot of other designers missed. A plate of steel 6 ft. x 3 ft 1" thick will weigh the same as a 5 ft x 2.4 ft piece 1 1/2" thick