Valentine Tanks in NW Europe 44

[cbo]

Originally Posted by Mobhack

I cannot find anything on this (apart from a wakypedia article which states they were not in use later on).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine_tank

But it would seem sensible to have them in their own formations post say Sicily (?) for far-East only/training formations usage. Not sure if any were used in Italy at all.

Any supporting information would be welcomed.

According to Peter Browns tables of tanks in 21st AG, the only Valentines in NW Europe in June 1944 were bridgelayers, 33 in all with 8 in reserve.
By the summer of 1945, there are only three bridgelayers in service with another 10 in depots. Also in depots are 60 Valentine DD tanks. There were 16 Valentines with 6-pdr guns and 16 with 75mm guns in service with 9 of the former and 46 of the latter in depots, These gun-armed Valentines were found in infantry divisions, suggesting that they might be those issued to A/Tk battalions equippes with Archers.

With regards to Italy, Pete Andrews have some tables on his page wich might be usefull: http://www.btinternet.com/~latok/

Claus B