Conceived in the closing stages of the Second World War, Centurion arrived too late to see action against the German Panzers that had dominated that conflict. Although designed for warfare in Europe, it was not until 1951 that Centurions first saw combat in a completely different theatre - the rugged hills of Korea. It was not a fair proving ground for any tank but the Centurion was hugely successful. Its impressive performance under difficult conditions led to many overseas sales and the Centurion was destined to fight its major campaigns in the hands of foreign armies.