Valentines overseas

[Lynn Eades]

According to Jeff Plowmans first book (AFVs of N.Z.1939 to 59) New Zealand had:
100 MkII (introduced 41-42) (AEC)
74 MkIII (introduced 42) (AEC)
81 MkV (introduced 42) (Detroit)
11 Bridgelayers
I cant seem to find how many were converted to MkIIICS (close support with Matilda 3" gun) ( 9 were planned)
The (18) Matildas were sold to Australia. These were the ones converted to Frogs (flamethrowers)
And for you Alistair, N.Z had 21 Starting and charging Loyds (introduced 42-43)

Mike, Can you tell us about how quite a few Valentines did end up in Australia?
I remember photographing one somewhere between Merriden and Geraldton in the wheat belt. It was there as a monument to the guy (people) who had broken in the bush in the area, using this tank as a dozer. I cannot remember the name of the place.