09-02-2007, 11:43 AM
It it not precisely an ancient theme 
but could you give me some sources for the all-purpose infantryman with crossbow and halberd? Never heard of it.
Of course crossbowmen were more or less heavily armoured, mostly with gambesons and mail or brigantines, helmets and often carried pavises. But if the crossbowman tried to fight heavy infantry with his sword, he would have been in dire straits. While the sword is superior to the halberd/bill in single fights, in battle line fights sword user had only the position of the second winner due to less reach and armour piercing ability.
but could you give me some sources for the all-purpose infantryman with crossbow and halberd? Never heard of it. Of course crossbowmen were more or less heavily armoured, mostly with gambesons and mail or brigantines, helmets and often carried pavises. But if the crossbowman tried to fight heavy infantry with his sword, he would have been in dire straits. While the sword is superior to the halberd/bill in single fights, in battle line fights sword user had only the position of the second winner due to less reach and armour piercing ability.
Wolfgang Zeiler
