I've read that some Valentines were fitted with the Duplex Drive system. The book I have only mentions them briefly.Can anyone elaborate on this variant?Got any pics? Thanks ST
Valentines did indeed have duplex drive and were fitted with flotation skirts. They were used as the original test beds for developing the Sherman DD tanks and even took part in a "test" landing in England. One has been restored in England after 25 yrs of hard labour by the owner. The screens can even erect on it and the prop does work. It took part in a commemorative "landing" in 2004 and took part in tankfest of that year. I hope it also takes part in this years Tankfest. These are from 2004
There is some information on the later marks -short but sweet - in this thread over on the missing lynx forum. It includes a nice photo of a later version in service in europe. (last 2 posts are the good ones). http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/thread/1138016298/Later+Valentine+marks
I would just about give my left arm to be able to get pics like that!The Valentine is definately smaller than I had thought.It has to be considerably lighter than the Sherman.Wouldn't the Valentine have made a better DD vehicle?
By 44 the Valentine wasn't a front line tank any more. Possibly not even being made so you face the problems: A: Do you have enough? B: Do you have spare parts or are you going to have to start making them again? The DD Sherman is basically a Sherman, your standard tank, with some extra bits and bobs therefore less strain on your supply chain. In a direct comparison a DD Valentine (with a HE capable gun) probably would have been better. But it would have meant more complications. Certainly there is no sense in Britain building tanks for the US when she can’t meet her own needs.
The turret could only take 2 so far as I know once the 6lber and 75mm were fitted so it would certainly have been handicaaped. It was still being made, and used in the far east, up into 1945.
