Valentine - unknown track guard furniture

[AMC1965]

Hi there, I hope all are ok. Quick question, can anyone identify the curved fixings on the rear starboard track guard of the Valentine.  Photos either show it covered with a tarp or without anything attached at all. I just can't work out what it is for, they are like the horns of a bull with a strap between them. I did think towrope bracket but the length of rope you would cater for would be negligible. Unfortunately I can't seem to attach a photo on here for some reason. Many thanks in advance.

[JackG]

Are you trying to link an image from the internet or hard drive?  If it's the latter, that can't be done and you have to first upload the image to a photo hosting site, and then link it from there.  Plenty free providers out there to chose from.

 

A quick image google does not give any detail you have described.  In the mean time, can you further describe the Valentine mark, year, location, unit?

 

regards,

Jack

[AMC1965]

Hi Jack, many thanks for that. I have now eventually come across a photo of a line of Valentine and they have a hank of rope wrapped round the horns so I am assuming that is the purpose of them. Seems rather over engineered for a rope holder. See 11th photo down of Polish tanks via the link below.

https://www.keymilitary.com/article/desert-sweetheart

 

Cheers, Andy

 

[Bertie McBoatface]

You need to be an active subscriber to that site to see the photo. 😕

[Bertie McBoatface]

Based on your description I think its the two support brackets which held a cable reel for a field telephone line, when required.

 

 

Here's a similar looking system on my Archer, though it's front starboard in this case.

[Kingsman]

I think this photo answers the question.

[AMC1965]

Hi Das Abteilung, yes, thats the photo I tried to add the link to. I will use this reference for the kit I am completing and wrap a rope around the part. Many thanks.

 

[JackG]

Have seen similar detail on the Light Tank VI, but midway left side fender.   Usually some sort of rope or chain coiled around the 'horns', a museum example looks to have a cable.  Have also seen a  round jack placed there, and even a spare wheel:

 

 

regards,

Jack

[Kingsman]

The Universal Carrier has the same fittings on the glacis.  I couldn't find a stowage diagram for the Valentine or MkVI showing that area.  But on a Universal Carrier stowage diagram it is described as a "Rope, Towing, Steel, Light".  The one on the Valentine looks to be larger diameter cable, so maybe "medium" or "heavy".

[AMC1965]

Many thanks Jack and Das Abteiling, I think I will go with the rope wrapped round though just for interest I may see if one of the road wheels actually fit into the space. I am using PE so it may be a better representation than the plastic part provided by the kit. Many thanks again.