Centurion Mk V/I Tank
In 1950, the Australian Army was the first to order Centurion tanks but it did not receive any of its Mk IIIs until 1952. This was because the British diverted the latest models to their troops in Korea.
By the time they came to serve in Vietnam, the tanks had been upgraded to Mk V/I. They were equipped with the original 20-pounder main armament but had had the two 7.92mm Besa machine-guns replaced with .30-cal Brownings on delivery and were upgraded with a .50-cal Browning ranging machine-gun, applique armour on the glacis plate, a new sight and IR night-fighting equipment before arriving in-theatre.
In February 1968, C Squadron of 1st Armoured Regiment was committed to enhance the combined-arms nature of the Australian task force, reinforced by a Special Equipment Troop of bridgelayers and tank-dozers integral to the RAEME (Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers). Despite the considerable scepticism of many observers and senior Army personnel, the 54-tonne Centurion proved particularly effective at fighting in the paddy-fields and jungle areas of Vietnam. They proved their worth on many occasions, notably in the defence of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral, during the 1968 Tet Offensive, in fighting around Binh Ba and in a number of offensive operations in Phuoc Tuy Province. By 1971, when they tanks were finally withdrawn, all three Squadrons of 1st Armoured Regiment had served in South Vietnam, with C Squadron having served twice.
In all, the Australian Army purchased 131 Centurions including six ARV Mk 2s, four bridgelayers and four tank-dozers. This particular vehicle, 169056, was one of 58 Australian Centurions that served in Vietnam. In June 1971 an RPG hit the main gun barrel and shrapnel wounded the driver. The Centurion was eventually phased out of Australian military service in 1977.
Seen at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. - Primarily from www.diggerhistory.info/pages-armour/allied/centurion.htm.
Centurion Mk V/I Tank
In 1950, the Australian Army was the first to order Centurion tanks but it did not receive any of its Mk IIIs until 1952. This was because the British diverted the latest models to their troops in Korea.
By the time they came to serve in Vietnam, the tanks had been upgraded to Mk V/I. They were equipped with the original 20-pounder main armament but had had the two 7.92mm Besa machine-guns replaced with .30-cal Brownings on delivery and were upgraded with a .50-cal Browning ranging machine-gun, applique armour on the glacis plate, a new sight and IR night-fighting equipment before arriving in-theatre.
In February 1968, C Squadron of 1st Armoured Regiment was committed to enhance the combined-arms nature of the Australian task force, reinforced by a Special Equipment Troop of bridgelayers and tank-dozers integral to the RAEME (Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers). Despite the considerable scepticism of many observers and senior Army personnel, the 54-tonne Centurion proved particularly effective at fighting in the paddy-fields and jungle areas of Vietnam. They proved their worth on many occasions, notably in the defence of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral, during the 1968 Tet Offensive, in fighting around Binh Ba and in a number of offensive operations in Phuoc Tuy Province. By 1971, when they tanks were finally withdrawn, all three Squadrons of 1st Armoured Regiment had served in South Vietnam, with C Squadron having served twice.
In all, the Australian Army purchased 131 Centurions including six ARV Mk 2s, four bridgelayers and four tank-dozers. This particular vehicle, 169056, was one of 58 Australian Centurions that served in Vietnam. In June 1971 an RPG hit the main gun barrel and shrapnel wounded the driver. The Centurion was eventually phased out of Australian military service in 1977.
Seen at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. - Primarily from www.diggerhistory.info/pages-armour/allied/centurion.htm.