The Centurion was Britain's first attempt to produce a universal tank and do away with divisions between the infantry tanks, such as the Matilda, and cruiser tanks like the Comet. In 1943, after a succession of unfortunate tank designs, the British War Office commissioned a new specification calling for a tank weighing 40-tons that offered durability, reliability, and the ability to withstand a direct hit from a German 88mm gun. Six prototypes were developed before the end of World War II, all of which arrived too late to take part in the war.

It was soon recognized that the weight restrictions had to be lifted as the original specification could not be achieved within the 40-ton weight limitation. The early vehicles were equipped with a 17 pounder main gun and a 20mm Polsten cannon. They also featured frontal, glacis plate armour to deflect shots, a partially cast turret and a Horstmann suspension. However, modifications to the original design were quickly made and the changes resulted in the adoption of a 20 pounder, fully stabilized main gun and the replacement of the 20mm cannon with a Besa machine gun (thus allowing the turret to be fully cast). These changes resulted in the Mk IV version of the vehicle.

In order to maintain its combat effectiveness, continuing modifications have led to numerous other changes to the main gun armament (most notably the incorporation of a 105mm gun), the addition of fire control equipment and infra-red driving aids, a new diesel engine, and a semi-automatic transmission.

The Centurion first saw action in Korea during 1951 and soon proved itself to be the best performing tank in this theatre of operations, offering excellent cross country performance. It has also been exported to a number of client nations, particularly Israel, which used them with great effect in several of the Arab-Israeli Wars.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of an Israeli Shot Mk.5/1 Centurion main battle tank that was attached to the 10th Armored Brigade (The Harel Brigade), then deployed to Samaria, on the West Bank, during 1967. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches

Release Date: September 2009

Historical Account: "The West Bank" - The Harel Brigade was one of three brigades created at the outset of the Israeli War of Independence. The Harel Brigade was formed from previously independent Palmach units and was originally commanded by Yitzhak Rabin. The brigade was primarily responsible for activity in the Jerusalem area, and the brigade took part in several offensives while cooperating with other Palmach brigades. While under the command of Colonel Joseph Tabenkin, the brigade captured several areas of Jerusalem in preparation for moving on Ramallah.

During the Six Day War of 1967, the Harel Brigade was commanded by Colonel Ben Ari and was once again responsible for operating in the Jerusalem area. The brigade successfully captured several key areas north of Jerusalem, including Nebi Samuel and Shuafat Hill.