WW2 Valentine Mk V Close Support Tank | As Used In The Pacific Theatre

Uncover the story behind the NZ Army’s rare Valentine Mk V tank—built in 1940, camouflaged for the Pacific, and still running today thanks to passionate volunteers.

We go behind the scenes with George Pycraft, former Assistant Curator of Technology at New Zealand's National Army Museum, to explore a WWII Valentine Mk V infantry tank in the museum's collection. In this exclusive interview, George traces the tank’s origins back to its 1940 production, details its South Pacific camouflage and conversion history, and reveals why only a handful of Valentines remain operational today.

Designed by Vickers in the late 1930s as a robust infantry-support tank, over 8,200 Valentines were produced during WWII, serving across theaters from Eastern Europe to the Pacific. Of these, 255 entered New Zealand service between 1941 and 1943—100 Mk II, 74 Mk III, and 81 Mk V tanks. Many Mk III models were upgraded to close-support versions (Mk III CS) fitted with 3-inch howitzers to better meet jungle warfare demands

George also shares the tank’s museum journey: how most Valentines were phased out by the 1960s, and how dedicated volunteers have kept a few like this Mk V running—a testament to preserving living heritage rather than static display.

Filmed at the National Army Museum in Waiouru, New Zealand, this video sheds light on the museum’s mission to connect visitors with New Zealand’s military past through interactive exhibits and historic vehicles like this Valentine tank

Whether you're a military historian, modeling enthusiast, or tech and machinery hobbyist, this video brings WWII armored warfare alive. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to keep exploring rare military machines with us!
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