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Sorry if this is an obvious question but.......

What are the benefits/disadvantages of digging in artillery units?

Is this something to avoid doing or is it best only in defence?

Cheers,

Iain

I also was wondering about the most efficient stance to use with artillery (and HQ units with artillery). I've read articles that recommended using "T" mode with artillery so they will support battles in range, and I notice that some scenarios start with artillery units in "T" mode. But, I think I read in the manual that artillery will support battles in range as long as it is not moving. So I also wondered if "D" mode would be better just in case they came under attack.

This is a good question - and it's usually asked once or twice a year. But, it's good that it is asked.

Here's a recent thread :

tm.asp?m=3452745&mpage=1&key=artillery&#3453297

FWIW, I've found that most of the time most of the players in most scenarios dig in their supporting artillery units, and that's it. T is just as effective as D - except you lose the limited protection of D if there is a counter-bombardment or attack on the artillery's hex.

If I have several artillery units, I'll try and rotate them through a rest turn (or 5 turns) if possible. But, again, depends on the scenario, and the situation in that scenario.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that an arty unit not on the front line, but in T status will support the defense of a unit within range, but that an arty unit in D or other status will not. Did I dream this?

TomC

ORIGINAL: tcarusil

I seem to remember reading somewhere that an arty unit not on the front line, but in T status will support the defense of a unit within range, but that an arty unit in D or other status will not. Did I dream this?

Regardless, it's wrong. Artillery in reserve or dug-in status will support. Artillery in Mobile will not. Artillery in T deployment will not only support, but will not make reserve movement - keeping it from advancing into danger.

A related question appeared in an AAR thread: What does L mean as regards artillery support? I did a few tests, and noted the following behaviour:

When attacking, artillery units in L status support during bombardment (if in range) as expected.

When defending, artillery units in L status move towards the trouble spot, and as soon as they are within range they support during bombardment. Could be quite useful sometimes. However, continued combat causes the artillery unit to move into the hex under attack and switch to mobile status. Not so useful...

A follow up question on this topic:

If I understand correctly, artillery with a range of 1 will support battles in adjacent hexes only. The battle is considered to be taking place in the target hex. So, it seems that these type of units would only be useful on offense if they are put in the front line. If they are kept behind the line, then they would only support if a friendly unit in the front line was attacked?

So what is the accepted tactic regarding the use of these range 1 artillery units? Do people tend to put them in the front line where they are vulnerable, or hold them back a hex?

If they are range 1 and if I need them for offence then they go in the front line. I will move them back a hex when defending.

Best wishes,
Steve

Hey all.. another quick question on the arty response.

Does the map scale size have any impact on if arty units assist on defense?

example -

Map scale - 20km / Hex
150mm Howitzer (Bombardment range = 6 km )

I'm assuming it does, due to the fact that "1 Hex", is "1 Hex".

Thanks,

-Vess

ORIGINAL: Cmdr_Vessery

Hey all.. another quick question on the arty response.

Does the map scale size have any impact on if arty units assist on defense?

example -

Map scale - 20km / Hex
150mm Howitzer (Bombardment range = 6 km )

I'm assuming it does, due to the fact that "1 Hex", is "1 Hex".

Thanks,

-Vess

Yes, see screenshot. Just hit the shortcut 'I' for the range of the artillery/HQ.

Klink, Oberst

I've noticed cases where the "I" key shows a range 1 artillery for HQ units, but the unit info window says "artillery 0" and no artillery equipment seems to be assigned.