[Tormod Engvig]

So...

I happened to hear someone claim recently that crossbowmen would wear their pavises on their backs in battle, and as they reloaded they would turn their backs, and their shields, to the enemy, reducing their vulnerability during this slow process. Anyone care to elaborate on this claim?

I was under the impression that the crossbowmen would set up their pavises in front of them, and thus fire and reload in relative safety. I've also read in several books that the paivse would sometimes be carried by a dedicated assistant, who would prop the shield in front of the crossbowman during battle or a siege.

I suppose either method is concievable depending on the situation (pitched battle vs. siege, etc.).

[Elling Polden]

The spotlight topic on 15th century pavises has lots of pictures and info on the subject:
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=2711

[Tormod Engvig]

Great! Tusen takk!