Uses for HDML?

[ScooterV]

I've slowly made it through at least a lame initial setup, let it run a turn every now and then, but still mostly just learning so my first attempt is at least playable.

I have a question on the HDML ships. They seem about useless for surface combat, and even if just defending a port they would be wiped out easy by just about anything. However, I noticed they have a nice ASW rating, but can't be assigned an ASW mission. If they were assigned a surface combat mission and on patrol would they still put that nice ASW rating to use, or only use it if attacked first?

What other uses are there for them? I have been thinking of shifting them slowly down to Austraila and then stringing them out along the supply lines across the South Pacific to bases with support for additional ASW if they work.

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: ScooterV

I've slowly made it through at least a lame initial setup, let it run a turn every now and then, but still mostly just learning so my first attempt is at least playable.

I have a question on the HDML ships. They seem about useless for surface combat, and even if just defending a port they would be wiped out easy by just about anything. However, I noticed they have a nice ASW rating, but can't be assigned an ASW mission. If they were assigned a surface combat mission and on patrol would they still put that nice ASW rating to use, or only use it if attacked first?

What other uses are there for them? I have been thinking of shifting them slowly down to Austraila and then stringing them out along the supply lines across the South Pacific to bases with support for additional ASW if they work.

I use them as bomb sponges to soak up raids as long as they live.

But that's just me.[:)]

[oldman45]

If you can figure out something to do with them, I would be happy to know [;)]

[Omat]

Hello

I create a surface TF with 4 HDML and let them patrol near the "big" harbors from India. Sometimes a sub tries to attack them and then there is a chance that they re attack them. So I use them as "pseudo ASW TF".
I think early 1942 you need every assistance to help find subs as possible.

I am not sure If they helping to rise the DL of Sub`s.... ok when a sub is attacking yes of course...

Omat

[inqistor]

I was going to use them as raiders, but I actually though they are somr kind of PTs, and never checked their armament.

If they are only armed with AA guns, indeed it seems their best use will be to lure BETTYs outside ZERO escort range, into Allies Fighter trap.

[herwin]

ORIGINAL: inqistor

I was going to use them as raiders, but I actually though they are somr kind of PTs, and never checked their armament.

If they are only armed with AA guns, indeed it seems their best use will be to lure BETTYs outside ZERO escort range, into Allies Fighter trap.

I've seen them function that way in Malaya.

[Alfred]

HDML can be used in Barge and Landing Craft TFs. Their high ASW can come in quite handily there.

Alfred

[JeffroK]

I set up small TF's to defend my Naval bases, Admiral AImoto loves to send inSubs carrying mini subs, especially on the west coast of India and I've been attacked at Perth & Sydney as well.

Biggest negative is lack of range but if you set them on 0 or 1 react they should do fine.

[HansBolter]

I use them to "garrison": ports along with YMS types.

Recently, in the Ironman scenario, the AI started sending subs with midgets piggy-backed into Allied ports.

They even hit the Langley in Sydney harbor while it was DISBANDED in the port!![X(]

I now have TFs with ASW capability garrisoning every major Allied port.

[Rob Brennan UK]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

I use them to "garrison": ports along with YMS types.

Recently, in the Ironman scenario, the AI started sending subs with midgets piggy-backed into Allied ports.

They even hit the Langley in Sydney harbor while it was DISBANDED in the port!![X(]

I now have TFs with ASW capability garrisoning every major Allied port.

Once bitten twice shy , good advice for all allied players !

I think some HDMLS can be converted to MTBs ? or something similar which are capable of going into ASW TF's. My memory is a tad rusty on this though as I 'think' I converted a lot earlier in the game.

[EasilyConfused]

ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

I use them to "garrison": ports along with YMS types.

Recently, in the Ironman scenario, the AI started sending subs with midgets piggy-backed into Allied ports.

They even hit the Langley in Sydney harbor while it was DISBANDED in the port!![X(]

I now have TFs with ASW capability garrisoning every major Allied port.

Once bitten twice shy , good advice for all allied players !

I think some HDMLS can be converted to MTBs ? or something similar which are capable of going into ASW TF's. My memory is a tad rusty on this though as I 'think' I converted a lot earlier in the game.

The only HDMLs in the game are the Admiralty class (which can be converted between different versions of the same class) and the Thronycroft class. None of them can convert to other ship types.

[Blackhorse]

FWIW I have had some success (vs. the AI) with makeshift ASW TFs. I built 'escort' TFs consisting of 2-3 empty AKs and 4 HDMLs, and send them back and forth between Indian bases and the off-map hexes, in order to draw the attention of japaneses submarines. The short-legged HDMLs can refuel from the AKs.

[ScooterV]

ORIGINAL: Alfred

HDML can be used in Barge and Landing Craft TFs. Their high ASW can come in quite handily there.

Alfred

Thanks, I think that is how I will ultimately try to use them. I'm going to continue trying to get them shifted to the South Pacific where I will likely need them first, and and while they wait keep them on patrol around a couple spots and see what they do.

Thanks all for the other ideas as well. Although, since I asked they are now almost to Australia so other options will have to wait until game attempt #2, lol.

I've also lost three of them. On the way to Australia KB showed up Southwest of Borneo and got them But, a sub got a lucky shot into the side of Shokaku as well, so I'm not complaining much!