Rescuing A British Army Centurion Main Battle Tank Ready For Restoration

It really seems that you need one of those John-deer tank-recovery machines, they've proven quite popular out east.

We had a brand new Centurian tank nuked in a British test at Emu Field in 1953. It survived and the army figured why let a brand new tank go to waste so they blew all the radioactive dust off it and put it back into service. Apparently its engine ran right through the blast and ran out of fuel. Though the aerials, covers and mantle canvas were all torn off and it was pushed back about 5 feet but remained upright. It then went over to Vietnam and served there. It was penetrated by an RPG in May 1969 probably in operation Lavarack and the turret crew wounded with shrapnel though all were evacuated and survived and the tank remained battle worthy and in service. It is still with the 1st Armored Regiment and sits outside Robertson Barracks in the Northern Territory as display. They are certainly plenty tough. They were replaced by Leopard AS1's which were replaced by M1A1 Abrams and now M1A2 Abrams.

Spent 10 years carting Australian Leopards, including broken ones (locked tracks)... If you HAVE to winch one on the float, run your rope & snatchblock under the hull and pull off the back... Lifts the front of the tank up and makes climbing the ramps a lot easier... Obviously the best way to get one on the float is an a-frame and another tank...

Having been a driver, radio operator and loader of the Centurion back in a day, I am very interested in the restoration of yours. Keep the videos coming if you can. I just wish you were closer to me as I would be happy to assist.

can’t wait for next weeks episode when it’s all fixed and sparkling 😁

Best tank ever, for sheer power survivability and longevity.

I'm an American (sorry), but my all time favorite tank has always been the Centurion. Don't know why, exactly, but to me they represent the modern battle tank. Mk I on up, they're beautiful.

I will never forget the excitement of having my Centurion delivered !

That was a 105 AVRE with Cent Bridgelayer side plates fitted.

My dad used to drive Centurion tanks during his national service days, sadly he's no longer with us.

Ex Centurion Gunner here, have also been a radio operator and unofficial driver. Loved our Centurion 12 BA 70. I see yours has a 105mm Gun, the most popular gun in its day, just about all other tanks had the same one, the French AMX30. the American M60. The Swedish 'S' Type and German Leoipard. Also the Vickers light heavy tank. You'll need a Rolls Royce Merlin engine for it. Looking forward to this, good luck :)

Throw something on the cable like a tarp so when it breaks no one gets hurt. You could even just throw the ratchet straps over them it sure helps when things break. You were warned by the first break but did not do anything to mitigate. Playing with heavy equipment like that and not being more careful will get you on disability for the rest of your life . Which usually means no income and no play toys.

Can't wait to see this mighty tank to be restored. What a find.!!!!

Greetings from Australia.

Will be nice to see another one running in the UK, there’s only 2 currently from what I recall.

Nice now a tank that can be a actual threat to everyone but mechanics

this is going to be epic, Love the Centurion tank for as long as i liked Armor. I'm 55 and made tamyia models as a kid. Was a crewman on M1IP's way back and a TOW gunner on the old M151 jeeps. just found your channel today looks good guys cya on the flip side.

I once drove what was allegedly the last working centurion when I was in the RCT attached to the BR90 (bridging for the 90's) project in Ringwood Dorset. Just like a car really with a clutch, brake, and accelerator, except 2 sticks for steering.

Loveley memories ... Gunner national service P4 Tank regement Sjovde Sweden 86-87...

Please do it in Berlin Brigade camo pattern