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The Valentine IX was the designation given to Mk Vs that were upgunned to carry a 6-pounder anti-tank gun. The original Mk V had been given a larger three-man turret, but retained the 2-pounder gun. The new turret had enough space to carry the more powerful 6-pounder gun, but only the coaxial machine gun and the third crewman had to be removed. There was also only space for 53 6-pounder shells, compared to 60-62 2-pounder shells in earlier marks.
The Mk VIII used the shorter 6-pounder Mk III (L/43), which had been introduced in order to simplify production. The Mk IX used the full length Mk V (L/50), which was a more effective weapon.
The Mk V was powered by a 138hp G.M.C. 6-71 diesel engine. The Mk IX was given a 165hp G.M.C. 6-71 diesel, for an extra 27hp.
The Mk IX was one of three versions armed with the 6-pounder gun. The Mk VIII was an up-gunned version of the Mk III, while the Mk X was built from new with the 6-pounder.
The Mk IX was used by the 6th Armoured Division during Operation Torch, the invasion of French North Africa.
A small number of Mk IXs were in use with the 50th RTR during the fighting on the Mareth Line.
Names
Valentine IX
Stats
Production:
Hull Length: 6m 32.5cm/ 20ft 9in
Hull Width: 2m 63cm/ 8ft 7.5in
Height: 2m 27cm/ 7ft 5.5in
Crew: 3
Weight: 17,200kg/ 16.9 tons
Engine: GMC 6-71
Max Speed on road: 24km/h/ 15mph
Max Speed off road: 18km/h / 11mph
Max Range: 225km/ 140 miles
Armament: QF 6-pounder Mk V
Armour:
Armour
Turret front: 65mm
Turret sides: 60mm
Nose: 60mm at 21 degrees
Glacis plate: 30mm at 68 degrees
Hull sides: 60mm vertical