Centurion tank
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728205)
A Centurion tank lumbers through an old German town in Bavaria during Ex Reforger 74, adding contrast to an old barn and an older church in the background.
The Canadian Army took delivery of 274 Centurion Mk. 3 tanks between 1952 and 1953. The Centurion had well-sloped armour, superior mobility andexcellent gun and fire control systems compared with its then existing contemporaries. The first 21 Centurions were delivered to the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Germany in March 1952, where they served with the Canadian contingent of the NATO forces based there. The Centurions were used for training in Canada in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Mk. 3 tanks were modified to Mk. 5 standard with the replacement of the co-axial Besa MG with a .30-calibre Browning MG. Most of the Centurions in Canada retained 20-pounder main guns, while the Centurions in Europe were upgunned to the Mk. 6 standard with the L7 105-mm main gun and additional armour in 1962. The Centurions in service with 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (4 CMBG) in Germany were brought up to Mk. 11 standard in 1965 by fitting a .50-calibre Browning HMG aligned alongside the .30-calibre Browning MG, the fitting of a 100-gallon fuel tank on the rear hull plance, and the installation of infrared night-fighting gear. Nine Centurion Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARV) were purchased by Canada in 1954, and four armoured bridge-layers (ABL) in 1966. Centurions ended their service in Germany on 2 June 1977, and in Canada as late as 1979 when Leopard tanks began to replace them.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4301771)
HRH Princess Margaret visiting the 8th Canadian Hussars at Camp Gagetown, New Brunswick, 7 Aug 1958. Trooper Ernie Budd is the mascot handler, Colonel S.V. Radley-Waters is behind her, the Centurion crew commander is Sergeant Ross Stoddart, and the British Officer is HRH Aide-de-Camp. Princess Margaret spent part of three days in the Fredericton area towards the end of her six-week Canadian tour. On her final day in the city, she attended a brief ceremony naming the multi-million dollar Trans-Canada Highway bridge “The Princess Margaret Bridge”.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4694259)
A Centurion tank of “B” Squadron, Royal Canadian Dragoons, in support of “A” Company, 3 Mechanized Commando, crosses near Neustift, Germany, 1973.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5394878)
A 56-ton Centurion tank from the Fort Garry Horse, armoured component of Canada’s NATO brigade in Germany, churning up the ground as units of the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group carry out Exercise “Keen Blade”, a five-day tactical exercise involving the Canadian NATO land formation and units of the German 3rd Panzer Brigade, which was held in the Hannover area of northern Germany, 15 Oct 1963.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234065)
Royal Canadian Dragoons on a live firing exercise in Germany, c1958-59.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234064)
Royal Canadian Dragoons on a live firing exercise in Germany, c1958-59.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234064)
Exercise Certain Trek, South West of Wurzberg. Two Centurion tanks of the Royal Canadian Dragoons wait for the enemy to move up on them, 4-20 Oct 1975.
(8th CH Association Photo)
8th Canadian Hussars, Centurions on parade at Fort Beausejour, just west of Iserlohn in West-Central Germany, ca 1959-1962.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235688)
Centurion tanks, the Fort Garry Horse, on exercise at Camp Meaford, Ontario, 1964.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235689)
Centurion tanks, the Fort Garry Horse, on exercise at Camp Meaford, Ontario, 1964.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235690)
Centurion tanks, the Fort Garry Horse, on exercise at Camp Meaford, Ontario, with CC Don Young in the lead, 1964.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235750)
Centurion tanks, 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s), on exercise in Germany, ca 1959-1962.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235213)
Centurion tank on exercise, Camp Gagetown, summer 1963.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235424)
Centurion tank on exercise, Camp Gagetown, summer 1963.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235505)
Centurion tank on exercise, Camp Gagetown, summer 1963.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235506)
Centurion tank on exercise, Camp Gagetown, summer 1963.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 42342260)
Centurion Main Battle Tank, Armour training, ca 1965.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4746855)
Officer cadets at Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School prepare ammunition for loading into Centurion tank at Meaford Tank Range, 3 Aug 1967.
(Author Photo)
The author was transported on the back of this Centurion tank with other soldiers during a “Waincon” exercise at Camp Wainwright, Alberta in May 1975.
Centurion Main Battle Tanks preserved in Canada
British Columbia
Aldergrove, Western Museum of theArmed Forces
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 5, 20-pounder main gun, 31A, built in 1952. This Centurion was previously on display at the Cornwallis Military Museum, Nova Scotia.
Alberta
Calgary, The Military Museums of Calgary, 4520 Crowchild Trail SW.
(Author Photo)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 5, with 20-pounder main gun, CFR 52-81097. On loan from the RCA Museum, CFB Shilo, Manitoba.
3 Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk 5/2 with L7 105-mm main gun, “Strathcona”, Harvey Bldg, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), CFB Edmonton, Alberta.
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk 5, with 20-pounder main gun, mounted on a Bailey Bridge, RCE Bldg.
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk 5, 20-pounder main gun, North Gate (closed), CFR No. 52-01107, CFB Edmonton.
Centurion Main BattleTank Mk 5, 20-pounder main gun. LdSH secure compound.
Centurion Main BattleTank Mk 5, 20-pounder Gun. At the end of the runway.
Centurion ARV, along Hwy 28A near Township Rd 544.
CFB Wainwright
(Nick Ward Phgoto)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk 5, 20-pounder Gun.
Centurion ARV.
Ontario
CFB Borden, Base Borden Military Museum
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk 5, 20-pounder main gun, MGen Worthington Memorial Park.
(Author Photo)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 5, 20-pounder main gun, in front of the Museum Hangar, Ontario.
(Author Photo)
Centurion ARV Mk. 2, MGen Worthington Memorial Park.
(Author Photos)
Centurion ARV, Engineer lines, CFB Borden.
CFB Kingston
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk 5, 20-pounder main gun, CFR No. 53-81288, “Aspen“, in front of the Fisher Building, Givenchy Road.
Kingston, Royal Military College (RMC)
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk 5, 20-pounder main gun, CFR No. 52-81053, RMC.
Meaford
(A. Adams Photo)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 5, Serial No. 2548, 20-pounder main gun, Main Gate, CATC.
Oshawa, The Ontario Regiment Museum, The Ontario Regiment Museum, 1000 Stevenson Rd N.
(Author Photo)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 5, 20-pounder Gun.
Ottawa, Canadian War Museum
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 11, L7 105-mm main gun, CFR No. 52-81046, Royal Canadian Dragoons.
CFB Petawawa, Military Museums
(Author Photos, 2 Sep 2011)
(Author Photos, 11 Oct 2019)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 5, 20-pounder main gun, Garrison Petawawa Museum and the Canadian Airborne Forces Museum.
(Author Photos, 2 Sep 2011)
(Author Photo, 11 Oct 2019)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 5, 20-pounder main gun, RCD lines, 4 CDSB Petawawa
Quebec
Gatineau
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 5, L7 105-mm main gun, CFR 52-81061, “Afghanistan“, formerly at St-Hubert, FMC HQ.
Montréal, CFB Montréal, Longue Point Garrison, Royal Canadian Ordnance Museum, 6560 Hochelaga Street.
(Author Photo)
Centurion Main BattleTank Mk. 5, 20-pounder main gun.
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu,Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean (CMR)
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main BattleTank Mk. 5 with 20-pounder main gun, facing the parade square from the NW side.
Valcartier, 2 Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk 5, 20-pounder main gun, Main Gate.
New Brunswick
Moncton
Centurion Main BattleTank Mk. 11, L7 105-mm main gun, “Rimini”, Moncton Armoury.
Oromocto
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main BattleTank Mk 5, 20-pounder main gun, “Ironsides“, Centennial Park, Wassis Road.
Oromocto, 5 Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown
New Brunswick Military History Museum
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk 5, 20-pounder main gun. Museum vehicle park.
(Author Photos)
Centurion AVBL, CFR 67-10173. This vehicle is on display on Champlain Ave., East of the Base Medical Centre. Canadian Military Engineer Museum, 5 Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown, New Brunswick.
(Author Photos)
Centurion Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV), CFR 54-81334. Museum Vehicle Park.
Combat Training Centre, 5 CDSG Base Gagetown, Armour School
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 5, CFR 52-31201, 20-pounder main gun, on display on Tilley Ave., Southeast of the Base Medical Centre.
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 5/2, CFR 53-81201, L7 105-mm Gun, “Worthy”, West of Bldg J-7.
Riverview
(Author Photo)
Centurion Mk. 5/2 Main Battle Tank with L7 105-mm main gun, 8th Canadian Hussars, Casley Park,Bradford Road, behind the Municipal Building.
Sussex
(Author Photos)
Centurion Main Battle Tank Mk. 11, L7 105-mm main gun, “Rimini”, previously on display at the Moncton Armoury, has been moved (as of 20 Nov 2018), to a place of honour in front of the BGen Milton Gregg VC Armoury, Leonard Drive.
Nova Scotia
Kentville, Camp Aldershot
(Author Photo)
Centurion Main BattleTank Mk. 5, 20-pounder main gun, Lanzy Road, Camp Aldershot.
The Centurion Main Battle Tank
Canada: Initially ordered 274 Mk 3 tanks, plus nine armoured recovery vehicles and four bridge-layers and additional orders followed. The Mk 5 (upgunned to 105 mm) were used later. From 1969 to 1970, the Canadian Army lists 77 tanks based in Germany (mostly Mk 5 and Mk11’s) and the remainder in Canada (60 at CFB Wainwright AB, 59 at CFSD Longue-Pointe, Quebec, 46 at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, 30 at CFB Borden, Ontario, 29 at CFB Meaford, Ontario, 27 at CFB Calgary, Alberta, 12 at CFB Petawawa, Ontario, six at the RCEME School, Kingston, Ontario, and one at the LETE Test Establishment, Orleans, CFB Ottawa, Ontario, for a totalof 347 tanks (including 120 Mk 5s, three Mk 5 recovery tanks and some Mk 11s with IR and ranging guns fitted). Replaced by Leopard C1. Many of the tanks were sold to Israel, which converted them to diesel. Some are still in use as variants. (Wikipedia)
The FV4007 (A41) Centurion was the primary main battle tank of the British Army during the post-Second World War period. Introduced in 1945, it is one of the most successful post-war tank designs, remaining in production into the 1960s, and seeing combat into the 1980s. The chassis was adapted for several other roles, and these variants have remainedin service. It was a very popular tank with good armour, mobility, and apowerful main armament.
Development of the Centurion began in 1943 with manufacture beginning inJanuary 1945. Six prototypes arrived in Belgium less than a month after the warin Europe ended in May 1945.[10] It entered combat with the British Army in theKorean War in 1950 in support of the UN forces. The Centurion later served onthe Indian side in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, where it fought againstUS-supplied M47 and M48 Patton tanks, and it served with the Royal AustralianArmoured Corps in the Vietnam War.
Israel’s army used Centurions in the 1967 Six-Day War, the 1973 Yom Kippur War,the 1978 South Lebanon conflict, and the 1982 Lebanon War. Centurions modifiedas armoured personnel carriers were used in Gaza, the West Bank and on theLebanese border. Jordan used Centurions, first in 1970 to fend off the Syrianincursion within its borders during the Jordanian Civil War and later in theGolan Heights in 1973. South Africa deployed its Centurions in Angola duringthe South African Border War.
The Centurion became one of the most widely used tank designs, equipping dozensof armies around the world, with some in service until the 1990s. During the2006 Lebanon War, the Israel Defense Forces employed modified Centurions asarmoured personnel carriers and combat engineering vehicles. South Africa stilloperates over 170 Centurions, which were modernised in the 1980s and 2000s asthe Olifant (elephant).
Between 1946 and 1962, 4,423 Centurions were produced, consisting of 13 basicmarks and numerous variants. In the British Army it was replaced by theChieftain. (Wikipedia)