Valentines in Madagascar

[Russell Phillips]

I'm trying to work out which mark of Valentine tank was used in the 1942 invasion of Madagascar.

They had 2-pounder guns and three-man crews, which limits it to Mark I, II, IV, VI, or VII, but I haven't been able to narrow it down any further.

Can any of you help?

[bannockburn bhoy]

This wont help I don't think ,but I have a reference to MkIII,s in relation to operation Ironclad ,in connection with the 2nd Cameronians .

[Russell Phillips]

Actually, that's exactly what I'm looking for Ironclad was the only part that tanks were involved.

Could you let me know what the reference is in, or let me have s copy please?

[dadlamassu]

They may have been Valentine Mk III but remember that the Valentine (all marks) was the Infantry Tank Mk III and this often causes confusion. I cannot find anything in my references about the composition of B Special Service Squadron other than that it was composed of 6 (?) Valentines and 6 (?) Tetrachs.

[Russell Phillips]

They may have been Valentine Mk III but remember that the Valentine (all marks) was the Infantry Tank Mk III and this often causes confusion.

Ah, pants, I'd forgotten that.

I cannot find anything in my references about the composition of B Special Service Squadron other than that it was composed of 6 (?) Valentines and 6 (?) Tetrachs.

Six Valentines and six Tetrarchs matches what I have from multiple sources, so I'm pretty confident about the numbers. Just not which mark of Valentine.

[bannockburn bhoy]

Phil I have an interest in anything to do with the Cameronians. When I go to the Mitchel Library I usually take notes ,its a huge reference library . Im afraid I cant give you a definitive source as I have only taken the info down from whatever I was looking at at the time. It relates to an advanced party of a contingent from 2nd Cameronians stating " The armour units of Tetrachs and Valentine III,s came under heavy and sustained fire from French 75mm guns firing solid shot , 5 of the 12 tanks were lost to this fire including 2 Techtrachs and 3 Valentines.
Evidently there were 6 of each. I don't know if the mark III reference is as Alan says or if they were actually MkIII variants.
Sorry its the best I can do, lax of me not to note the source.
I would have been looking up something else and just come across this. All the best with it cheers John

[Russell Phillips]

Thanks anyway, John.

[bannockburn bhoy]

Next time im in there I will see if I can dig it up....

[Russell Phillips]

Thanks John.