The new model army brought the kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland closer together then ever before. Ireland and Scotland were both occupied and during the civil war, there was active participation on both sides. This new modern method of recruitment, training, and fighting  made England a professional army, and that professional army united the kingdoms to create what would become one of the first true Nations in regard to their national boundaries, Great Britain. I do not praise Cromwell for his swift and bloody subjugation, but without him and this army it is hard to see Great Britain forming as soon as it did.

When Oliver Cromwell Died in 1658, their was much confusion as to who should run the kingdom which lead to a restoration of the Stuart dynasty returning Charles II to the throne of England, Scotland, and Ireland in April of 1660. With Cromwell gone, the army was disbanded shortly after in August. General Monck and his men were the last scheduled to disband in 1661, but due to rioting in the streets on London the act was repealed. They would become known as the Coldstream Guard in honor of their march from Coldstream to London in January of 1660, to see about the restoration. They are the oldest British regiment still active today, and the only living piece of the new model army that is still a part of the modern world.

Plant, David. “The New Model Army.” The New Model Army, 2007, bcw-project.org/military/new-model-army.

“Coldstream Guards Freedom Celebrations.” Visit, www.visitexeter.com/whats-on/coldstream-guards-freedom-celebrations-p2517453.

After securing trade on the home front England now looked to dominate trade across the Atlantic in the Americas, and that meant war with Spain. War was declared in October of 1655. England moved quickly with its improved Navy to blockade and raid Spanish ports in Spain throughout the 1656 and 1657 and severely hurt the Spanish economy by preventing and taking treasure ship fleets bound to Spain from the Americas. Their was also an English force in the Caribbean that would take the island of Jamaica in a plan known as the Western Design. Then in March of 1657, England and France formed an alliance and agreed to join forced to attack the Spanish Netherlands and capture the forts and cities of Dunkirk, Mardyke, and Gravelines. Dunkirk and Mardyke would go the England, and Gravlines to France. (Plant)

In 1658 the allied army of France and England was besieging Dunkirk after already taking Mardyke and Gravlines the previous year. The Spanish had sent an army to relieve the defenders, and now a force of 16,000 Anglo-French soldiers faced an army of about 15,000 soldiers fighting for Spain. Of the 16,000 Anglo-French forces, about 6,000 were British infantry, starting to be more commonly known as redcoats. Marshal Turenne, a French man, was in charge of the entire force, while Sir Willian Lockart and Major General Morgan were the senior British officers. (Plant)

The redcoats, as shown above, formed at the allied (left) center in red. French cavalry took the far left and right flanks and supported the center with some infantry of their own, with the rest of the force in reserve. The armies were 500 yards from each other preparing to attack, when without orders from Turenne, the redcoat lines began to advance toward the key Spanish position on the field, a sandhill that stood 150 feet high on the Spanish right flank above. The British troops marched up the hill straight toward the Spanish, the French now surging forward to support. British marksman picked off targets as the redcoats continued to advance up the hill until they were in close quarter combat with the Spanish. They pushed the Spanish from their position and took the sandhill, then continued down the back side of the hill. They were met with a cavalry charge that they repulsed with ease, and inflicted heavy causalities to the Spanish. Then a second cavalry charge came again, but was beat back by the stubborn redcoats, this time with the aid of French cavalry striking the enemy flank. It was a clear victory with only 400 allied casualties, about half and half redcoat and Frenchmen. I believe this battle shows just how discipline and well trained the New Model army was by its outstanding performance compared to its allies and on how easily it beat back its enemies multiple times, inflicting maximum damage and loosing so few. (Plant)

Plant, David. “The Anglo-Spanish War: Overview.” The Anglo-Spanish War, 1655-60, 2012, bcw-project.org/military/anglo-spanish-war/.

Plant, David. “Flanders, 1657-58.” Flanders 1657-8, 2008, bcw-project.org/military/anglo-spanish-war/flanders.

Image thanks to “MAP/BATTLE PLAN DUNKIRK DUNES MAY 24th JUNE 3rd 1658 CANAL TO FURNESS NIEUPORT.” EBay, www.ebay.com/itm/MAP-BATTLE-PLAN-DUNKIRK-DUNES-MAY-24th-JUNE-3rd-1658-CANAL-TO-FURNESS-NIEUPORT-/163360334654.

Once all the Civil wars were dealt with, Ireland and Scotland subjugated, and Cromwell sat at the head of the English state, he turned his eyes outside the Isles of Britain.  So began the first Anglo-Dutch war. The English wished to completely dominate trade in the English channel and North sea, and that meant the Dutch needed to bug off. Now the English navy was one of the most powerful navies in Europe, if not the most powerful, but just like the rest of Europe, they relied on merchants to provide a large number of there war ships. After a defeat at Dungeness in 1652, the English decided to centralize there navy, as they did their army a few years earlier. An Admiralty committee was established, led by Sir Henry Vane. They improved their naval supply routes to give their ships more free reign, and increased pay to improve morale as well as encourage recruits to join. Robert Blake, George Monck, and Richard Deane created the first articles of war. They organized 3 fleet squadron, a red, white, and blue, each fleet having 3 admiral (Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral) to increase the amount of territory they could cover and the better the efficiency of command. Although costly, the English won the war after making these changes. It is clear that by copying there national army model into their fleet, England was becoming one of the strongest military forces on the Earth.

Plant, David. “The First Anglo-Dutch War: Overview.” The First Anglo-Dutch War, Military Overview, 2013, bcw-project.org/military/first-anglo-dutch-war/.

Image thanks to “1652-1674 Anglo-Dutch Wars - Timeline Dutch History - Rijksstudio.” Rijksmuseum, www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/rijksstudio/timeline-dutch-history/1652-1674-anglo-dutch-wars.

Cromwell and The New Model Armies greatest victory was at Dunbar on September 3 in 1650 against the Scottish armies supporting the young Charles II. After a series of skirmishes and maneuvers between the two armies over the course of a few months, the Scots had trapped Cromwell at Dunbar and cut off his land supply route South to England. I don't have exact numbers of men, but the experienced English army was slightly outnumbered by a raw Scottish force.

The Scots put their main body of cavalry on the right flank, with a smaller group on the left. The Scottish center was full of infantry under 3 commanders. The two commanders of note would be Lumsden on the right flank, and Lawers in the center as shown above. The English matched the Scottish cavalry on the right flank under Lambert, leaving a small amount in reserve under Cromwell. The infantry formed just to the left of Lambert, under Monck. Lastly Dragoons were set at the far left English flank with high ground advantage, and the rest of the Dragoons under Pride were put in reserve with Cromwell.

As for the terrain, a river ran between the 2 armies with the only man made crossing at the Bridge that travels North to Dunbar. 

The battle started in the early morning, still dark, with English cannons starting a barrage of Scottish troops while troops moved to secure the crossing. The Scots returned fire and they had an on and off exchange until daybreak. 

Once light, Lambert and his Cavalry (English) charged against the Scottish cavalry and heavy fighting began. Monck and his infantry (English) marched across the bridge and quickly broke Lumsden's infantry (Scots), forcing Lawers' infantry (Scot) to engage Monck's. As Monck and Lawers fought on, Cromwell ordered Prides Dragoons (English) to support Monck against Lawers. At the same time, Cromwell took his cavalry to join Lambert's (English) attack against the Scottish horse. Together Cromwell and Lambert broke the Scottish cavalry and prepared to charge into the flank of the Scot infantry under Lawers who was engaged with Monck and Pride. Once the cavalry charged, the Scottish were defeated and were completely routed. In Cromwell's honor the Dunbar medal was founded and awarded to him for his service in the battle. This award would not be given again until 1815 after the battle of Waterloo.

Plant, David. “The Battle of Dunbar 1650.” The Battle of Dunbar, 1650, 2011, bcw-project.org/military/third-civil-war/dunbar.

The siege of Drogheda on September 11 in 1649, is another victory for Parliament and the New Model Army under Cromwell's command directly. This victory would however tarnish his reputation and relations between England and Ireland for the rest of history. The English forces under Cromwell had besieged a Royalist Army at Drogheda, the fort protecting the North of Dublin. The battle started as soon as the Marquis of Ormond, refused to surrender. Cromwell immediately ordered his cannons to breach the Easter and Southern walls of the fort. Following this Cromwell and his men stormed both of the new holes in the defenses and after hard fighting drove the Royalist back. It is at this moment in the battle, that Cromwell ordered their to be no quarter for prisoner. His Cavalry surrounded the city so nobody could escape, and his men slaughtered the defenders and even many Catholic priests were put to the sword. Many Irish civilians were caught in the heat of the battle as well. In total Cromwell lost about 150 men, while 2,000 or so people in Drogheda were massacred. This was no battle, but a slaughter.

Plant, David. “The Siege of Drogheda.” The Siege of Drogheda, 1649, 2008, bcw-project.org/military/third-civil-war/cromwell-in-ireland/drogheda.

Tombs, Robert. The English and their History. First Edition. Vintage Book, 2014.

Image thanks to Limited, Alamy. “Stock Photo - Oliver Cromwell, Leading the Storming Party, Siege of Drogheda, 1649.” Alamy, www.alamy.com/stock-photo-oliver-cromwell-leading-the-storming-party-siege-of-drogheda-1649-173464230.html.

The first major victory for the New Model Army was the Battle of Naseby on Joune 14, 1645. The numbers of both forces vary according to sources, but my own sources conclude that Parliament had 13,000 men, about 7,000 infantry, 5,500 cavalry, and about 1000 dragoons. The royalist army consisted of 8000 men, about 50% infantry and 50% cavalry (Ross, 11).

If you follow with me on the map above (Parliament/New Model Army in blue, Royalist/Cavaliers in red), you can see that both armies have their infantry in the center, with cavalry on both sides. Parliament also has a hidden regiment of dragoons off to the left hand side of the field lead by Okey. Prince Rupert lead his Royalist cavalry in a charge against Ireton's cavalry after Okey's Parliamentary dragoons opened fire into Rupert's ranks. This charge swiftly went right through Ireton's cavalry, but kept going! The undisciplined forces under Rupert went in search of plunder or a baggage train, instead of continuing the battle. Now a third of the Royalist cavalry gone, the Infantries advanced to engage each other. At first the outnumbered royal infantry held their own lines strong, But Cromwell, commanding the parliaments right cavalry, charged against Langdale's cavalry and continued not to the baggage train, but into the royal infantry right flank, then the dragoons and Ireton joined on the opposite flank for a charge. Parliament's new model army won handsomely and the battle ended quickly. (Ross, 11-12)

Ross, W. G. “The Battle of Naseby.” The English Historical Review, vol. 3, no. 12, 1888, pp. 668–679. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/546960.

Image thanks to “Home.” British Battles, www.britishbattles.com/english-civil-war/battle-of-naseby/.

Infantry life changed drastically as England entered the pike & shot era of war. The New Model Army was composed of 12 Infantry regiments, 1,200 men each, 800 of which were musketeers, 400 that were pike. They all wore red coats, and the musketeers used Matchlock Muskets while the pike men had pike and sword (Plant). The Pike consisted of a long wooden shaft (10-14 feet long), topped with a steel spear point. Pikes were not meant to be used out of formation/close combat though, hence they had the sword. You could dismount a knight, then finish him off with your blade (Pike). Now the Matchlock musket was a complicated weapon, so I have posted a video by Kevin Kicks from the historical interpretation society's "History Squad" demonstrating the use of this weapon.

 

The New Model Army seemed to favor the Swedish Brigade tactics. Now I am no tactician, so I'll let you hear about the tactics from my source by David Plant,

"Swedish squadrons maintained the central pike block flanked by musketeers, but the formations were shallower than in the Dutch system, with ranks six men deep. This presented a broader front which brought more firepower to bear on the enemy. Like the Dutch, Swedish musketeers were drilled to maintain a continuous fire by use of the countermarch. However, Gustavus added the tactic of "doubling the files" when the enemy drew near, in which the rearmost ranks of shot moved up to fill the gaps between the frontline ranks, thus transforming a six-rank formation into three ranks. The front rank would kneel, the second rank would crouch and the third rank would stand. When commanded, all three ranks would fire simultaneously to deliver a devastating salvo, the "Swedish salvee". If the enemy stood firm, the musketeers would reload behind the shelter of the pikes to fire another salvo. As soon as the enemy faltered, the Swedish infantry charged forward to break them in hand-to-hand combat" (Plant)."

Below I have a video done by Matt Leiby, where he demonstrates the countermarch (method of continued fire with ranks) and also how Pike and Musket men would work together on a battlefield. To hear just about the items mentioned above, skip ahead to 18:38.

Plant, David. “Pike & Shot Tactics.” Pike and Shot Tactics, 2014, bcw-project.org/military/tactics.

Plant, David. “The New Model Army.” The New Model Army, 2007, bcw-project.org/military/new-model-army.

Image thanks to Mindhost. “From Swiss Pikemen to Swedish Mobile Artillery.” The Fencing Hindquarters, 18 June 2015, mindhost.tumblr.com/post/121839283227/from-swiss-pikemen-to-swedish-mobile-artillery.

“Pike.” Pike, www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-weapons/pike.htm.

A new type of troop developing across the European battlefields were the Dragoons. Plant states that the New Model Army only had 1 regiment of a 1000 dragoons; showing that they were not in widespread use yet, but still more int eh testing phase as the Ironside cavalry numbered at 6000 and the Infantry 14,000.

These new units were made to be mounted infantry that could move very quickly across the battlefield in order to do maximum damage to the enemy; Dragoons could dismount, fire off a volley, then ride around to another position, preferably the flank, and fire again. These hit and run tactics could cause confusion among the enemy plus deal significant damage if used properly. They were also trained cavalry men, so could charge directly at enemy troops if needed as well (National Park Services). These new troops were some of the most versatile troops to enter war at this date.

Plant, David. “The New Model Army.” The New Model Army, 2007, bcw-project.org/military/new-model-army.

“Dragoon Soldier-Historical Background.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/education/dragoon5.htm.

Image thanks to Bantarleton. “See, That's What the App Is Perfect for.” Bantarleton, 14 Feb. 2019, bantarleton.tumblr.com/post/182800405980/dragoons-from-okeys-regiment-of-the.

When the New Model Army was issued, Fairfax and Cromwell made sure to strictly organize the force to their own tune, so that the army they would build would be perfect for what ever job they could find it in the field. As I mentioned earlier Cromwell was the commander of horse or second in command of the army. His Cavalry were the elite group of men within the army and they were all volunteers from Parliamentary armies that had been fighting in this war since the beginning. These men were eager and experienced. In the end they mustered 11 regiments of 600 cavalry each, not including dragoons.

These regiments of, ""Ironsides" were better paid, better armed and equipped, and uniformed in red coats" (Tombs 233) and, "wore "lobster-tail" iron headpieces and chest armor over a thick leather "buff coat". The Troopers were armed with sword and pistol (Plant). These well armed soldiers would wait until the enemy army waivers, then once the enemy started to break, they would sweep around the flank forcing wide spread panic and carnage.

Image thanks to norfolktalesmyths, Author. “Norwich and The English Civil War.” Norfolk Tales, Myths & More!, 24 Feb. 2019, norfolktalesmyths.com/2019/02/24/norwich-and-the-english-civil-war/.

Plant, David. “The New Model Army.” The New Model Army, 2007, bcw-project.org/military/new-model-army.

Tombs, Robert. The English and their History. First Edition. Vintage Books, 2014.

Oliver Cromwell, the man who was a leading figure in passing the Self-Denying Ordinance Act, was named Lieutenant General of the Horse, which would become the most effective and elite group in the New Model Army. He had seen initial success as a cavalry commander during the early stages of the civil war, before the New Model Army came to be. The Parliamentarian defeat at Edge hill prompted him into creating what would become his own elite cavalry regiment. They coined the name "Ironsides" after the battle of Naseby where his men were given credit for attaining victory over the Royalists. The soldiers under his command all shared in Cromwell's strong Puritan beliefs, most fanatics being called zealots even by members of Parliament and other New Model Army commanders. Cromwell would eventually have numerous victories with his disciplined and loyal force all across England, Scotland, and Ireland. Once war was over, and the dust settled after he lead an execution of King Charles I, Cromwell would become Lord Protector of England and continue to use his Army to do his will.

Kishlansky, Mark. “The Case of the Army Truly Stated: The Creation of the New Model Army.” Past & Present, no. 81, 1978, pp. 51–74. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/650363.

Plant, David. “Oliver Cromwell, 1599-1658.” Biography of Oliver Cromwell, 2012, bcw-project.org/biography/oliver-cromwell.

The man appointed to lead this army was Sir Thomas Fairfax. Fairfax had made a name for himself as a warrior and commander fighting in Northern England and Scotland earlier in his career. As Lord-General of the army he was able to appoint and train his officers, and at his own will due to the Self-Denying Ordnance Act I previously touched on. He was directly involved in the training of these officers as well as organizing the fighting force it self.

He seemed most concerned with making his force as disciplined as possible. Stated by Tombs in his book, "Harsh discipline knocked [the army] into shape, including humiliating and painful penalties for drunkenness and fornication; blasphemer had their tongues pierced with a hot iron"(Tombs 233). The harsh discipline of these armies would make them able to take orders efficiently without question, as well as prevent theirs battle lines from breaking by just being mentally stronger then the opponents.

Plant, David. “Sir Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax, 1612-1671.” Biography of Sir Thomas Fairfax, 2012, bcw-project.org/biography/sir-thomas-fairfax.

Tombs, Robert. The English and their History. First Edition. Vintage Books, 2014.

Another progressive and successful idea to enhance to leadership and efficiency of the "New Model Army" was the Self-Denying Ordinance of April 1647, which was proposed to Parliament by Oliver Cromwell. This removed Members of Parliament from taking any military command. In other words if you were both an MP and a commander, you would have to give up one of these jobs. This created 2 new "specializations" in Government, and separated power. One could pursue to be a politician or a commander, creating better men suited for both jobs. This was necessary during the civil war because some aristocrats in command seemed unwilling to really strike a hard blow at their own King and his forces.

Tombs, Robert. The English and their History. First Edition. Vintage Books, 2014.

Kishlansky, Mark. "The Case of the Army Truly Stated: The Creation of the New Model Army." Past & Present, no. 81 (1978): 51-74. http://www.jstor.org/stable/650363.

Image thanks to “Picture Cromwell Proposing the Self-Denying Ordinance.” Picture, oreald.com/picture2592.html.

An interesting aspect of the men making up the army is that it was a purely British army. Described by Robert Tombs, in his textbook, The English and Their History, "a "New Model Army" of 22,000 men was formed under central, not local, control, directly paid by Parliament, and excluding foreign mercenaries" (Tombs 233). Every man in the army was fighting not only for their life and their religion, but also for their country. The idea of an army made of only men of the nation may seem normal today, but before this, mercenaries, or soldiers of fortune would make up a large part of your army. These soldiers fought to make a living, not to change to political and social aspects of England. The rest of your army would be a levy, or civilian militia in modern terms. In other words recruiting, training, and paying an army will build you a mighty force, appose to raising a militia and hiring every soldier you can find.

With the creation of the New model army also came about a modern recruitment system. The old system was flawed to say the least, "Parliament's armies were recruited from regional associations but soldiers were often reluctant to campaign away from their local areas" (Plant) Cromwell changed this. He proposed a National army with no regional associations. You joined the army, trained, had an income, and got sent wherever Parliament thought it best. This aloud England to have a strong army that could deploy anywhere necessary with ease.

Plant, David. “The New Model Army.” The New Model Army, 2007, bcw-project.org/military/new-  model-army. 

Tombs, Robert. The English and their History. First Edition. Vintage Book, 2014.

Oliver Cromwell's "New Model" Army was one of the first professional standing armies of England. I am curious why this army was so effective, in other words what made it new, and to uncover the true significance of having a permanent army that is payed and maintained by the government.


Image thanks to “The Coldstream Guard .” General Monck's Coldstream Guards Re-Enactment, 1930, www.generalmonck.com/page3.htm.