The New Model Army

In the closing stages of 1644, Oliver Cromwell realised that the existing parliamentary armies were less than ideal. Using his influence in parliament, he proposed the Self-Denying Ordinance. This stated that any member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords holding a military commission should resign it.

This was intended to remove the aristocratic leaders, such as the Earl of Essex , and the Earl of Manchester, from the armies, allowing true military leaders to take their place.

In addition to this, the armies were to be combined and reorganised into the "New Model". The personal regiments would be split up and pay standardised. Food and provisions of clothing would be guaranteed to all in order to encourage soldiers to agree to the changes.

The "Soldier's Catechism" was drawn up, which laid down rules and regulations, as well as correct drill procedures, in order that the soldiers would know what was expected of them.

This army was proposed in February 1645, and began to come into being in April 1645. Conscription was necessary to make up the numbers envisaged, although this was for a small percentage of the army.

Significantly, the phrase "the protection of his Majesty's person" was not included in the description of the task of this army, although "the defence of the King and Parliament" remained.

The Army

Sir Thomas Fairfax was appointed the new Lord General of the army. He had no political connections, and was a good soldier, making him ideal for the post.

The army consisted of a total of 22,000 men, broken down in the following way:

Type	No of Regiments	No in Each Regiment
Cavalry	11	600
Infantry	12	1200
Dragoons	1	1000
Artillery	N/K	N/K

The infantry were issued with red uniforms to replace their existing regiment's colour. Cavalry were issued with light headpieces, armour front & back, and a buffcoat of leather.

The pay was set at eight pence a day for infantry, and two shillings a day for cavalry. Those in the cavalry had to provide their own horse.

Promotion was now done strictly on military prowess, and no longer on a family or monetary basis.

Interestingly, although supposedly unable to hold his military commission, due to the Self-Denying Ordinance, Oliver Cromwell continued to lead cavalry, and was eventually excepted by Parliament and made General of Horse in June 1645.