Quote Originally Posted by atheotes
What you say about shield defence being applied to only the shield bearing side (unit's left) is not correct. It was so in RTW. But in M2TW 50% of the shield value gets applied to both the sides. Only firing into the rear will give you maximum effect.

From the FAQ sticky:

Originally Posted by Daveybaby
You get 100% of the Shield defense at the front, and 50% at each side (nothing at the back).

Defence Skill you get 100% at front and at each side, nothing at the back.

Armour defence is 100% all round.
I didn't know that! So it seems it's an imperative to get behind or at least flank them.
If they have shields.