The lighweight, compact Valentine had been an infantry tank first deployed in 1940 by Uk forces. It came as a welcome addition for the beleagured British who had been forced into a desperate evacuation from Dunkirk, during which precious materiel needed to be left behind. A complete run of over 7,000 devices (manufactured in Britain and Canada) made the Valentine the most prolifically produced British tank during WWII. The Mk.II/IV variation was designed with the 40mm 2-pounder gun, and showcased a 130 hp diesel engine plus a "sluggish movement" coil sprung suspension system system that provided it ample mobility for the infantry tank part. It débuted in November 1941 in North Africa, and was still serving in Tunisia, in May 1943. Valentines were also passed away in significant figures toward Soviet Union under the "lend-lease" program. These people were used mainly in reconnaissance functions.
