Valentines overseas

[Mike Cecil]

Valentines in Aust: Commercial surplus import into WA post-war for agricultural use, I understand, but this was hearsay from Bob D (decd) who owned one, and acquired a turret ex-NZ via James S (decd). I have not investigated this aspect.

Australia purchased 33 Matilda MkIV CS tanks from NZ, (possibly 32 of which were CS, and one gun tank) to supplement the existing inventory of 60-odd CS tanks already held (Cabinet docs state 290 2-pdr, 61 CS and 25 Frogs were held prior to the purchase).

Of the NZ purchase, 15 were deficient the 3 inch Hows, which were retained by NZ to equip Valentine tanks (with spares, so the figure of 9 intended Valentine conversions seems reasonable). The other 18 Matildas came complete with their 3 inch How (although the figure may be 17 + one 2-pdr)

None as far as I'm aware, were converted to Frogs. Of the 25 converted to Frog configuration in Aust, none of the WO registrations correspond to the WO registrations of Matilda tanks acquired from NZ, and these were all converted prior to the NZ purchase anyway.

Mike

www.michaelkcecil.com

[motto]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Valentines in Aust: Commercial surplus import into WA post-war for agricultural use, I understand, but this was hearsay from Bob D (decd) who owned one, and acquired a turret ex-NZ via James S (decd).

Mike

www.michaelkcecil.com

I heard a similar story from the late Murray Lucas, a well known WA HMV buff.
I understand that none of the commercially imported Valentines had turrets.

Dave

[Mike Cecil]

Yes, Dave: when the likes of long-time collectors Murray and Bob say that as the origin of these tanks, then you'd have to give it a lot of credence.

Turrets: the lack of turrets with the tanks accounts for the much later (1990s) import of at least 2 from NZ by James S to sell to Bob D and John B - there were simply none to be found in Australia, as I understand it.

Mike

[lynx42]

Hi Mike,

I have a feeling that I saw a white painted Valentine up at Rupunyup Vic. at a well known collectors yard, complete with turret, about 15 years ago. I have a photo somewhere but it will take a while to find.

Regards Rick.

[Mike Cecil]

It would be interesting to know where he found it .... maybe you could give him a call and find out for us, Rick?

All the evidence thus far points to the same conclusion that Murray and Bob related to Dave and me.

Enjoy the heat of an Aussie Christmas ..... we are enjoying the snow this year.

Mike

[Darrin Wright]

Found some pics, of said Valentine taken in Oct 2011 by me.
Bit of a jig saw puzzle...
possible not the turret from that tank hull???

[Mike Cecil]

Thanks Darrin,

The turret looks like an ex-range target to me - painted white ('... target .. left ... 600 ...the BIG WHITE THING, Gunner!...) then shot at, but I suppose the only way to find out for certain is to talk to the owner.

Mike