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On a side note Patton vs Centurion, it really shouldn't be a suprise that the British tank was superior when use don the defensive. British design requirements reflected a need for firepower and protection, requirements drawn up when the Tiger and Panther were the perceived threats. The 52 ton Centurion had a thicker hide than the Tiger I or Panther. Speed/mobility was decidely third on list or requirements.
The American Patton series, a direct evolution of the M26 Pershing was born in the same era but reflected the American ideal of the sweeping offensive. Speed was more important than protection, and the 90mm gun and Pattons armor levels were designed to match the Tiger I. The Patton also reflected the American's design tendancies towards tall tanks. It was not until engine technology advanced that America was finally able to create a tank that was all three, fast, well armed, and well armored and designed to meet a Soviet not a Nazi threat in the M60A1. Even then it used a British gun.
But anyway I digress, the British made the choice to trade speed for protection and so it should not be a suprise the Centurion dominated the Patton on the defensive.
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