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Centaur IV CS

The Centaur IV CS was a British close-support cruiser tank best known for its dramatic service during the Normandy landings of June 1944. Combining the angular A27 cruiser-tank hull with a short-barrelled 95 mm howitzer, it makes a distinctive addition to Second World War British armour collections, coastal landing scenes and Normandy-themed displays.

Historical Role

Operated by the Royal Marines Armoured Support Group, the Centaur IV provided close fire support for troops landing on the Normandy beaches. Its 95 mm howitzer was intended to engage fortifications, defensive positions and other battlefield obstacles with high-explosive and smoke ammunition. During D-Day, Centaurs delivered supporting fire from landing craft, after which many went ashore to continue supporting the advance.

Distinctive Appearance

The vehicle is immediately recognisable by its compact, angular turret and broad mantlet surrounding the short 95 mm howitzer. Its box-like hull, large road wheels, side skirts and prominent track runs give it the purposeful appearance of the British A27 cruiser family. Normandy vehicles were also associated with wading equipment, waterproofing features and highly visible turret markings used to assist naval gunnery control.

Variant Differences

The Centaur shared its basic A27 design with the better-known Cromwell, but generally retained the less powerful Liberty engine rather than the Cromwell’s Meteor engine. The Centaur IV replaced the standard tank gun with a 95 mm close-support howitzer. For modellers, the shorter, thicker barrel and altered mantlet are the clearest visible differences, reflecting the variant’s specialised infantry-support role.

Modelling Uses

This model is ideal for D-Day beach dioramas, Normandy road columns, Royal Marines scenes and British armoured formations. It also suits model railways, historical wargaming displays and collectors seeking an unusual close-support vehicle from the Allied campaign in north-west Europe.

Fun Fact

Many Centaur IVs carried degree markings around the turret, allowing their crews to use the turret as a practical bearing indicator when directing fire during the Normandy landings.

Available Scales

1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35.

Finish Options

Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, and Historical Base Colour.

Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.

Centaur IV CS

$9.95Price
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