Valentines in Madagascar
- Russell Phillips
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Valentines in Madagascar
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?
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?
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Re: Valentines in Madagascar
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
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Re: Valentines in Madagascar
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?

Could you let me know what the reference is in, or let me have s copy please?
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Re: Valentines in Madagascar
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
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Re: Valentines in Madagascar
Ah, pants, I'd forgotten that.dadlamassu wrote: ↑11 Oct 2019, 09:53 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.
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.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.
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Re: Valentines in Madagascar
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
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
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Re: Valentines in Madagascar
Thanks anyway, John.
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Re: Valentines in Madagascar
Next time im in there I will see if I can dig it up....
- Russell Phillips
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Re: Valentines in Madagascar
Thanks John.