In the Nick of Time

The lighweight, compact Valentine was an infantry tank first deployed in
1940 by British 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 had to be left behind. A total
run of over 7,000 units (produced in Britain and Canada) made the
Valentine the most prolifically produced British tank during WWII. The
Mk.II/IV variant was equipped with the 40mm 2-pounder gun, and featured a
130 hp diesel engine as well as a "slow motion" coil sprung suspension
system that gave it ample mobility for the infantry tank role. It
d?buted in November 1941 in North Africa, and was still serving in
Tunisia, in May 1943. Valentines were also passed in significant numbers
to the Soviet Union under the "lend-lease" program. They were used
largely in reconnaissance roles.