Well, what do you mean by early?
The initial campaigns were fought between the Italians and the British. Before the Germans, the Vichy French were there. Then, the latecomers were the Yanks.
Italy:
All sorts -- don't have a good listing.
M13/41, etc.
British:
Matilda I
Matilda II
Crusader I-III
NO CROMWELLS
Churchills (don't know which marks, but early)
Light Tank Mk IIAs and Mk IIBs
Light Tanks Mk VIs (various marks)
Stuart Honey
Grant
Sherman M4A1, M4A2
Covananter (Cruiser Mk V)
Valentines
Cruiser Mk I, Mk III, Mk IV
Germany:
Pz I ausf A, B
Pz II ausf C, F, G (probably more)
Pz III (various marks)
Pz IV (various marks)
Tiger I
Stug III ausf D
Various SPGs (Marder III 76.2mm, sFH 13/1 auf Lorraine, etc.)
France:
Renault R 35
USA:
Sherman M4, M4A1 (75mm gun tanks)
M3 Lee
M10 Tank Destroyer
M3 Stuart variants
M7 Priest
And of course, I'm sure I'm missing stuff.
Oct '42 was the first usage of the Sherman in N Africa by British units at Alamein.
Hope this helps,
RC
roy.chow@aya.yale.edu