Centurion (Modern Combat Vehicles: 2) by Simon Dunstan (1980) (ISBN: 0711010633)

In 1953, the South African Army recieved the first of 200 Centurion Mk.3's that were to form a South African Armoured Division as part of a British Commonwealth contingency force for employment in the Middle East. Those Tanks not employed by the South African Army were stored in Durban from where they could be readily shipped to any operational area where British Commonwealth interests were threatened. The 7.92mm Besa Machine Guns were replaced by 0.30in Brownings altering the Centurions to Mark.5's. An additional Browning was fitted to the Commander's Cupola. After the Suez crisis of 1956, there was no further requirement for a south African Armoured Division and the surplus Centurions were sold to Switzerland.

Until 1956, Tank Training was undertaken at three main centres, namely Potchefstroom in the Transvaal, Bloemfontein in the Orange Free State and Oudtshoorn in the Cape Province. Thereafter most Centurion Training has been conducted at Bloemfontein, although Unit and Formation exercises are held throughout the country. A Squadron of Centurions was also stationed at Walvis Bay for some years.

In the early 1970's, 41 Centurions were purchased from Jordan. These practically unservicable vehicles were completely refurbished at 61 Basis Werksplaas (61 Base Workshop) in Verwoerdburg. Other Centurions have been acquired from various sources. All Centurions of the South African Army are undergoing a complete Modernisation Programme including a Diesel Powerpack and numerous improvements, the details of which are classified. The Centurion remains an important item within the Army's Order of Battle and a powerful deterrent to potential enemies of the Republic of South Africa.