Indirect fire range question

[FroBodine]

When firing on-board artillery and mortars as indirect fire, does the range shown in the unit card still apply?  

So, say mortars have a range of 11.  Does that mean they can only fire 11 hexes both directly and indirectly?  Or is their range somehow extended when using indirect fire?

Probably a silly question - but one I would like to know for sure, so I can relocate my mortars and on-board artillery and such if I need to.

Also - an unrelated side question.  What is the benefit of moving HQ units closer to the front lines with their troops, when they have a very large command radius?  I see my opponent moving their HQ very close in to the battle.  

Thanks!