Centurion Tank Mk 5/1

Vespid Models1/72 scale Centurion Tank Mk 5/1. The scheme I’ve gone for is for that of the Australian Army’s ARN 169007, call sign 24A of B Squadron, named “Buku Boom Boom” from 1969 in Vietnam. I’ve also added a couple of excellent Modelu tank crew figures. 

In February 1968 the announcement that a squadron of Centurion tanks was to reinforce the Australian forces in South Vietnam was greeted with skepticism. Critics suggested that the mobility of the heavy tanks would be so curtailed by the rice paddies and jungle that they would eventually become static pillboxes defending the perimeter of bases. It was also argued that an enemy with modern anti-tank weapons could easily destroy the slow and cumbersome Centurions. However, such criticisms were soon to be disproved.

On the morning of 6 June 1969, two Australian Centurions of 4 Troop, B Squadron were making their way northwards along Route 2 in support of infantry when they came under fire from houses in the village of Binh Ba, north of Dui Dat in the Phuoc Tuy province. The Battle of Binh Ba, Operation Hammer, raged for two days, ending on the second mass tank and infantry assault. The battle marked the end of such large-scale clashes, and ranks as one of the major Australian victories of the war.

One of the Centurions involved in the battle was named “Buku Boom Boom”, or more formally ARN 169007, call sign 24A of B Squadron, and it is in the colours of this Centurion Mk. 5/1 that I have finished this excellent Vespas Models 1:72 scale kit. To complete theme, I’ve built a small vignette using a fantastic couple of 3D printed tank crew figures from Alan at Modelu and a super mat of sedge grass and a pair of palm trees from Steven at The Model Tree Shop. I’m liking the finish and hope you do too.