New Zealand purchased its first Centurion in 1950, a Mk 3
direct from England. It was intended for training personnel from the RNZAC for
service with one of the British regiments in Korea. Named "Scipio
Africanus" it was joined by two more Mk 3s in 1953 and these received the names
"Scorpion" and "Scarab". In 1963 the Army purchased 8 Centurions
from British stocks in Hong Kong, these were a mixture of Mk 5 and 5/1s. Most of
these had the Type A barrel though some had the Type B. In addition a Mk I ARV was
purchased from England. These were withdrawn from service in 1968 and 8
(including the ARV) were sold to the Australian Army. The ARV served with the
Australian Army in Vietnam while the others were used to rebuild Centurions damaged in
that conflict. Of those kept in New Zealand two were preserved and two ended up as
targets on the ranges at Waiouru.
Removing the engine from a
Centurion at Waiouru in the 1960s. This
particular vehicle is completed in a disruptive camouflage scheme. It
is believed that at least one
vehicle was so finished to be used as an aggressor vehicle for
training purposes.
'Scipio Africanus' shortly
after its arrival at Waiouru. It is still sporting its WD
number T352176.
"Scipio Africanus" (NZ28538) when it
operated with the School of Armour at Waiouru in the early 1950s. It carries the
School insignia on the turret an A Squadron diamond, divided vertically red on the left
and yellow on the right.
"Scorpion" (NZ28374) at Waiouru when it was part
of Queen Alexandra's Squadron in the late 1950s.
"Scorpion" now renamed "Apache" with 1
Armoured Squadron at Waiouru in the 1960s. The unit serial 2 inside a square divided
horizontally red over yellow.
One of the Centurion 5s ("Assassin) purchased in 1963
from Hong Kong with 1 Armoured Squadron at Waiouru.
