Developed by Vickers, the first Valentines appeared with tank brigades in the 8th Army in June 1941 and then played a significant role  in the remainder of the desert fighting. The Valentine was one of the most important British tanks and in 1943 totalled nearly one quarter of British tank output. However production stopped in 1944 after 8,275 vehicles had been completed. Early Valentines were armed with the 2 pounder gun although this was upgraded to a 6 pounder in later versions and then the OQF 75mm. Similarly early variants had petrol engines with later ones having diesel powerplants. The Mk III was armed with a QF 2 pounder and featured some modifications to the turret design with a larger rear bulge giving room for a gun loader in the turret. Side armour was reduced from 60mm to 50mm to save weight.

The Valentine chassis was also used for a number of other AFVs including bridgelayers, mine clearers and amphibious (DD) tanks. Two SP guns were also fitted to Valentine chassis, the 25 Pounder variant was known as the Bishop and later in the war the Archer mounted a 17 Pounder Anti Tank gun fitted to fire to the rear.

A large number of Valentines were supplied to the Russians under Lend-Lease agreements and it was built under license in Canada.