The Valentine range of cruiser tanks used the previous Mk9 tank chassis, and was initially a ‘stopgap’ tank being designed on the eve of WW2 in 1939 and entering service in 1940.
The Mk IX Valentine appeared in 1943 and again was a big improvement on previous models a 6 pounder main gun and co-ax MG. Many were sent to Russia under the Lend Lease system.
Production ended in 1944 with a total of over 8200 of all types produced.