Shortly after Newbury, Charles I agreed a truce or "Cessation" with Confederate Ireland, allowing him to use troops from the Irish Royal Army in England. Promoted colonel, Bard was sent to Ireland to recruit additional regiments and was knighted on his return in December. He took over Pinchbeck's regiment and fought under Sir Ralph Hopton at Cheriton in March 1644; he was wounded and captured after launching an unauthorised attack which largely contributed to the Royalist defeat.