The Valentine tank was unusual as normally the goverment would issue a design and have companies tender for the contract. Vickers Armstrong refused to participate and chose to proceed with their own design which did not comply with many of the War Office’s approved guidelines. In 1938 they took their prototype to the market and proceeded to offer it for sale.

The Valentine in Action

The models are secondhand Airfix models that required a large amount of repairs, and with the five I had I was able to come up with three almost complete models.

Vickers-Armstrongs had produced an inherently reliable machine based on the engine, transmission, and suspension of the tried and tested A9 and A10, however it failed the War Office requirements for the turret to accommodate a gunner, loader, and commander.

At this stage the Matilda Mk II was not in production and was not tested. So with war approaching the government had no option but to accept the design, and so production commenced in earnest in 1939.

The Valentine was to become the most produced British tank of World War II, even exceeding the production run of the Churchill tank. By 1944, 8,300 tanks had been produced, accounting for 25% of total British tank production, far higher than its contemporary the German Panzer III.

WESTERN DESERT, EGYPT, 1942-07-18. VALENTINE II INFANTRY TANK GOING FORWARD ON A BRITISH TANK TRANSPORT COMPANY DIAMOND T TANK TRANSPORTER. THIS METHOD OF TRANSPORTATION ON SPECIALLY DESIGNED LOW-LOADER TRAILERS, PROVIDES A SPEEDY MEANS OF MOVEMENT FROM ONE AREA TO ANOTHER, AS WELL AS REDUCING THE WEAR AND TEAR ON THE TRACKS OF THE TANK. Credit

The Valentine arrived too late to play a role in the Battle of France, but it was soon available in sufficient numbers to re-equip a British Army that was facing the threat of invasion and desperately short of hardware.

It was June 1941 before the 1st Army Tank Brigade arrived in Egypt and took the Valentine into action for the first time. It was far from perfect, but they were plentiful and mechanically reliable; unlike the Crusader.

Whilst the Valentine had the flexibility to be continually upgraded, it was effectively obsolete as a gun tank by 1944.  The ready availability of surplus hulls meant that they were widely used in other roles, such as command vehicles and for training.  

By the end of World War Two, Valentines had disappeared from the British Army, but they remained in service with the New Zealand Army until the 1960s.

The above information was obtained from the Bovington Tank Museum.

From a game perspective they can be a useful addition, although the A10 may be a more cost effective option.

More tanks tomorrow.

The Carro Armato M11/39, was Italy’s first Medium Tank to see service.

In 1936, the Italian Army issued requirements for a tank with a 3 man crew, a 37mm L.40 gun mounted in the hull and two 8mm machine guns in the turret. As it would not be fighting tanks, the vehicle only needed armor to be proof against armor piercing ammunition from small arms and 20mm cannon fire.

This new vehicle was set to replace the very outdated FIAT 3000’s the Italian Army (Regio Esercito) was still operating along with the CV.3 light tanks. An initial prototype was made in 1936 but was abandoned in 1937.

The essential layout and suspension design of the prototype were retained though for development of a new 10-ton tank.

A captured Carro Armato M11/39 in Australian Service. A large amount of these tanks were captured at Bardia and used in the attack of Tobruk.

The Carro Armato M11/39 was ideal for what the Army wanted from a medium tank, a pair of machine guns mounted in a turret and a 37mm gun or 47mm gun mounted in the hull, an operational range of 12 hours, and capable of 30-35kph.

It had grown a little heavier than the original 10 tonnes though and was now an 11-tonne vehicle. As it was a Medium tank weighing 11 tonnes and expected in service in 1939, it was given the name M11/39 (Medium, 11 tonnes, 1939).

This vehicle was ideal for what the Army wanted from a medium tank, a pair of machine guns mounted in a turret and a 37mm gun or 47mm gun mounted in the hull, an operational range of 12 hours, and capable of 30-35kph. It had grown a little heavier than the original 10 tonnes though and was now an 11-tonne vehicle.

As it was a Medium tank weighing 11 tonnes and expected in service in 1939, it was given the name M11/39 (Medium, 11 tonnes, 1939). The choice of a 47 mm gun as the main armament for medium tanks was finally confirmed in a meeting between General Pariani and Agostino Rocca (a director at Ansaldo) of the 25th September 1939 in preference to the 37 mm gun.

This is another 3D print available from Dark Castle Terrain. I can thoroughly recommend their range and service, and Callum is always excellent to deal with.

More tanks ahead.

The Australian Platoon in North Africa was an exact replica of the British Infantry Platoon. This is my third and last platoon of 20mm Australians.

The Australian platoon consisted of three squads, each with a Bren Gun, and a headquarters section with a Boys anti-tank rifle and a 50mm mortar.

Designed for ” Chain of Command” rules with teams and sections, each section consists of a rifle team of six men, a Bren gun team of three men and an NCO junior leader.

The three infantry sections are the same.

Junior Leader

Bren Gun team

Rifleman Team

Section 2

Section 3

The 2″ mortar attached to the HQ.

A Britannia Boys anti-tank rifle team

The platoon Lieutenant or Senior Leader.

The Platoon Sergeant, another Senior Leader

With the last of the Infantry Platoons completed there is just a few more vehicles and teams to go.

Following Japan’s entry into the war in late 1941, the Australian government initially feared that Japan might invade the Australian mainland, and with the UK unable to spare tank production for Australia, a program to produce an indigenous tank was initiated.

This decision marked a significant turning point in Australia’s military strategy, as it reflected the need for self-sufficiency in defense capabilities. The development of an Australian-made tank not only aimed to address immediate concerns about the lack of military equipment but also to establish a foundation for long-term defense preparedness.

It became a symbol of national resilience and determination, showcasing the country’s commitment to safeguarding its territory and sovereignty in the face of external threats.

The Australian tank program, established during World War II, embarked on the ambitious task of designing and developing a new cruiser tank to bolster its military capabilities. This endeavor resulted in the creation of the innovative Sentinel tank, which made history as the first tank to feature a hull cast as a single piece.

This groundbreaking design set it apart from its counterparts, showcasing a unique and advanced approach to tank construction.

Notably, the Sentinel tank holds the distinction of being the only tank to be produced in quantity within Australia, underscoring its significance in the country’s military history and industrial achievements.

The Australian AC4 Sentinel Tank. The first version, called AC1, was armed with a 2 pounder gun which was already quite outdated. The last version (above), called AC4, was armed with the powerful 17 pounder gun.

The few Sentinels that were built never saw action as Australia’s armoured divisions had been equipped by that time with British and American tanks. Due to a lack of experience in tank design, a mission was sent to the US to examine the M3 design, and a British officer with many years of tank design experience was provided by the UK.

The examination of the M3 design led to a fruitful exchange of ideas and best practices in tank construction between the Australian and the American teams. This collaboration paved the way for the development of new tank prototypes that incorporated advanced features from both the M3 design and the expertise brought by the British officer. As a result, the Australian armoured divisions witnessed a significant enhancement in their capabilities, ensuring readiness for potential future conflicts and bolstering the nation’s defense strategy.

The design of the tank drew inspiration from the M3 and incorporated existing parts whenever possible, streamlining and simplifying certain aspects to align with the manufacturing capabilities in Australia.

Notably, the decision to cast the hull and turret as single pieces represented a departure from the construction methods employed in other contemporary tanks. This innovative technique, unique for its time, showcased Australia’s ambition and creativity in adapting and advancing tank manufacturing processes.

Sixty-five production vehicles had been completed by June 1943. That year, the 3rd Army Tank Battalion was equipped with a squadron of AC1 tanks, which were modified to resemble German tanks and used in the filming of the movie, The Rats of Tobruk.

Unfortunately, the completed Sentinel tanks were used for evaluation purposes only and were not issued to operational armoured units, as the Australian Cruiser tank program was terminated in July 1943.

By this time the Japanese threat had lessened, and US and British-made M3 Grant and Matilda tanks were being supplied to Australia from the Middle East, and it was felt that Australia’s manufacturing resources would be better spent on railway locomotive production.

During the early post war period, the tanks were used for training and not declared obsolete until 1956.

Four of these tanks were used by the 2/9th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment in North Africa.

The MkII tank, also known as the Matilda II, was a significant development in armored warfare during the interwar period. In addition to the improvements over the Vickers Mark I, it also introduced a new and more powerful engine, enhancing its overall performance on the battlefield.

The higher superstructure not only provided better visibility for the crew but also allowed for the inclusion of additional weaponry, reinforcing its firepower and tactical capabilities.

These enhancements, coupled with the refined suspension system and innovative Rackham clutches, positioned the MkII as a formidable force, despite its slightly slower speed compared to its predecessor.

This combination of advancements solidified its reputation as a reliable and versatile vehicle, contributing to its continued use throughout World War II, albeit not as a front line tank..

More of these to follow when I complete the 2/9th Cavalry Regiment

Throughout WW2 variety of luxury vehicles like Buick, Bentley, and the like, were used for staff officer transportation.

I am not sure what make this one actually is but it looks like a 1942 Bentley to me, but I am no expert believe me!

The car is very similar in style to the one used by Brigadier Mallaby in Surabaya, 1945

A British sergeant examines the burnt-out wreckage of Brigadier Mallaby’s car on the spot where it was ambushed in Surabaya and the Brigadier murdered on 31 October 1945.

In this case the car used by Brigadier Mallaby was a LaSalle 1940 Series 52 Sedan

About 8:30 P.M. on the night of Tuesday, October 30, 1945, near the Jembatan Merah (Red Bridge) in Surabaya, the Commander of the 49thIndian Infantry Brigade, Brigadier A. W, S. Mallaby, C.I.E., O.B.E.,was shot to death.

It was, of course, not unusual for senior military officers to be killed during the Second World War and its aftermath, but the death of Brigadier Mallaby aroused world-wide interest.

Anyway I have this one so I am using it!

Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Hector Bastin the 2nd/9th Cavalry Regiment arrived in Egypt in April 1941, and was equipped with 10 Vickers MKVI and 4 Vickers MKII light tanks and Bren carriers.

The Tank, Light, Mk VI was the sixth in the line of light tanks built by Vickers-Armstrongs for the British Army during the interwar period. The company had achieved a degree of standardization with their previous five models, and the Mark VI was identical in all but a few respects.

The turret, which had been expanded in the Mk V to allow a three-man crew to operate the tank, was further expanded to give room in its rear for a wireless set.

The weight of the tank was increased to 4,900 kg, which although heavier than previous models actually improved its handling characteristics, and an 88 horsepower (66 kW) engine was added to the model to increase its maximum speed to 56 km/hr It had the Horstmann coil-spring suspension system, which was found to be durable and reliable, although the fact that the tank was short in relation to its width and that it pitched violently on rough ground made accurate gunnery whilst moving exceptionally difficult.

The Mk VI possessed a crew of three consisting of a driver, gunner and commander, who also doubled as the radio operator, between 4 mm (0.16 in) and 14 mm (0.55 in) of armour, which could resist rifle and machine gun bullets, and its armament consisted of one water-cooled.303 Vickers machine gun and one .50 inch Vickers machine gun.

Production of the Mk VI began in 1936 and ended in 1940 with 1,682 Mark VI tanks having been built.

One of the Vickers Mark VI light 5-ton tanks of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment throwing up a cloud of dust during manoeuvres.

I have more to paint when I start building the 2/9th Cavalary (Commando) unit.

The Australian Platoon in North Africa was an exact replica of the British Infantry Platoon.

The Australian platoon consisted of three squads, each with a Bren Gun, and a headquarters section with a Boys anti-tank rifle and a 50mm mortar.

Designed for ” Chain of Command” rules with teams and sections, each section consists of a rifle team of six men, a Bren gun team of three men and an NCO junior leader.

The three infantry sections are the same.

Junior Leader

Bren Gun team

Rifleman Team

Section 2

Section 3

The 2″ mortar attached to the HQ.

A Britannia Boys anti-tank rifle team

The platoon Lieutenant or Senior Leader.

The Platoon Sergeant, another Senior Leader

I have one more squad to complete but will finish off some support options in between, over the next week or so. The third platoon requires a lot more work.

Platoon 3 – work in progress. 11 Figures to complete and basing on all in the photo.

The A.9 Cruiser, also known as the Medium Mark I, played a significant role in shaping the evolution of British tank design throughout the designated period, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent developments.

Despite bearing the visual resemblance of a prototype, the A.9 Cruiser was deployed to the battlefield, defying initial expectations and assumptions. Its presence not only influenced the design of contemporary tanks but also contributed to the advancement of military technology and strategic warfare during that era.

The vehicle’s hull was based on the failed Vickers Medium Mk.III, with noticeable resemblance. Sir John Carden was tasked to adapt and produce the prototype, but his untimely death cut short his involvement.

The new prototype, A.9E1, utilized a mix of commercial and readily available parts, resulting in a bizarre design.

The tank was fitted with the excellent 2-pounder gun, which was compact, quick-firing, and accurate by 1936 standards. It was lethal to almost any tank in the world at 1,000 yards and remained so for about five years, though it continued in service for some time after.

However, it did not have an effective high explosive round, so soft targets had to be dealt with by machine gun. As the main anticipated opponent of the Cruiser tank was expected to be enemy tanks, this was not yet a primary concern.

To save weight and maintain speed, the armor protection was limited to just 14 mm of steel plate. This thickness could withstand small arms and light machine guns, but little else, especially at close range.

Additionally, the armor was bolted on while other nations had already switched to welding, which increased the risk of the plates shearing or splintering when hit, posing a danger to the crew.

The inclusion of two secondary turrets at the front of the vehicle was an outdated choice that added little combat value and increased the crew size unreasonably, creating shot traps and increasing the likelihood of damage to the vehicle.

From a games perspective the A9 is weak in armour but does have a 2pdr gun which was quite powerful for 1940. At a list four choice it is a quite a reasonable choice.

If your opponent is unlikely to have any armour available the Vickers MK.VI is probably a better anti-infantry choice.

The Crusader III, introduced in late 1942, faced increasingly formidable adversaries on the battlefield. It encountered not only 37 and 50 mm guns, but also high velocity 75 mm guns in both towed and tank configurations, posing significant threats.

Additionally, the German forces deployed various makeshift anti-tank weapons, such as the Pak 97/38s and Pak 36(r), further challenging the effectiveness of the Crusader III. In response to these escalating threats, the British introduced the Sherman tank around the same time.

The Sherman proved to be a substantial advancement, capable of withstanding hits from 75 mm guns and maintaining operational capability, marking a pivotal development in armored warfare during that period.

Even the British themselves considered the Crusader a dead end. The Cavalier tank based on its components was a failure and Crusader chassis were repurposed into utility vehicles rather than receive further upgrades.

The disappointing performance of the Crusader led to the exploration of alternative designs, eventually leading to the development of more successful tank models. Despite its initial setbacks, the lessons learned from the Crusader project paved the way for significant advancements in British tank technology, shaping the future of armored warfare for years to come.

Additionally, the experience gained from repurposing Crusader chassis into utility vehicles contributed to the versatility of the British military’s vehicle fleet, demonstrating their ability to adapt and maximize resources even in the face of challenges.

PS Following the photography of the tanks I noticed a problem. I was given most of my 20mm tanks ages ago most assembled. These ones were S Models, but the wrong turrets was attached to the Crusader Mk1 and Mk3.

I have since remedied this, although prying them off without damaging them was no mean feat!

With the right turrets