Wanklyn, Malcolm2008-05-202008-05-202007War in History, 14(2): 133-1560968344510.1177/0968344507075879http://hdl.handle.net/2436/27179The disappointing performance of the Eastern Association army in the campaign fought in the Thames valley theatre of war in October and November 1644 compared with its previous history has been attributed to the shortcomings of its commander, Edward Montagu, Earl of Manchester. This paper shows that much of the criticism of Manchester's generalship was propaganda of dubious validity produced after the campaign by Oliver Cromwell and his political allies, and that a good case can be made for Manchester's strategic and operational competence. (Sage Publications)enBritish historyEnglish Civil War17th centuryMilitary historyMilitary strategyMontagu, Edward, Earl of ManchesterManchester, Earl ofJournal articleWar in History