Questions on Crossbowmen (Arsuf Period)

[Erpingham]

I recall going way back Vesey Norman pointing out that these tactics were reminiscent of Italian practice.  The possibility that the tactics were unfamiliar to Northerners but common practice for Mediterranean types has to be there.

"The king versed in arms" could thus be an acknowledgement of his familiarity with a wide range of tactics and perhaps to his known interest in the use of crossbows.