The 6-pounder (57mm) anti-tank gun was a replacement for the 2pdr anti-tank gun. However, the great losses of the 2pdr had led to continued production, delaying the 6pdr till late 1941. The 6pdr was capable of penetrating 74mm of armour (30 degrees) at 1000 yards and was inadequate against the frontal armour of heavier German armour.
The Valentine infantry tank was originally armed with a 2pdr which was then up-gunned to a 6pdr and later a 75mm gun. The Valentine played an important role in the Desert War. By 1944, over 8000 Valentines had been built.
Imperial War Museum, Duxford: July 2006
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