Something to aspire too

[OldenBUA]

No, never used in anger. At least, not by the Dutch Army. They did see plenty of activity on exercises, though. Enough to make them rather unreliable at the end of their service life.

Also, since they were American property, they were duly returned to them (at least most of them) when they were replaced by Leopard tanks. Whereafter at least some of them found their way to Israel.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Bit late to pass over to Israel as were replaced by Leo II from early 80's. Even then the Dutch looked at a through refit to the Cents first. Saving was marginal with the offsets so went with new builds, for about 15 yrs.

IanS

[mart678]

Hi Everyone

After the British Army the next biggest purchaser of Centurions was the USA after seeing them in action in Korea they Purchased them for Nato Armies including Holland,Denmark and Norway? I am not sure about Belgium?

So You can have some cold war fun the danish still had Centurions as late as 1999 I think but in the late 80's they had 105mm upgraded(laser range finder Fire control system) and in reserve 20pdr armed Cent's

Martin

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

'bout right Martin. Belgium's took M47 rather than Cents. also used by -

India
South Africa (still used)
Egypt
Iraqi
Kuwait

and probably more.

IanS

[fsn]

I love it when you chaps talk Centurion.

[HPFlashman]

Dont think Norway had any, mainstay of our tanks was the M-48 supplemented with the Leos from somewhere around mid 60s.

We ran a lot of marshal help stuff up to the early 90s as well..

[Hertsblue]

Also, since they were American property, they were duly returned to them (at least most of them) when they were replaced by Leopard tanks. Whereafter at least some of them found their way to Israel.

That's the bit I like best - British tanks bought by the Americans to equip our European neighbours. Wonder if they'd like some Challenger IIs? 

[petercooman]

Maybe you have some crusaders hanging around to share with us