Zaire Province a vassal state of the Kingdom of Portugal. In 1914, the Kongo monarchy was abolished after Portuguese suppression of several revolts. From 1885, Portuguese Angola included the district of Congo, which was split in 1919 into the districts of Cabinda and Zaire, respectively north and south of the Congo/Zaire River. During the 1961–1974 Angolan War of Independence, a large fraction of the Bakongo fled to the Republic of Zaire. Many of these refugees and their offspring returned after the Alvor Agreement recognised Angolan independence. Historical and cultural monuments include: M'Banza Congo (formerly São Salvador do Congo) is the provincial capital.
27th Armoured Brigade reserve, 9th Brigade Group. During the follow-up operations after D-Day the 27th Armoured Brigade continued to support I Corps' attacks along the River Orne towards Caen. On 11 June a squadron of 13/18th Hussars supported 6th Airborne Division's attacks along the river, and later in the month the regiment supported 51st (Highland) Infantry Division in further attacks along the river. On 8 and 9 July, 27th Armoured Brigade supported I Corps' final successful attack on Caen. On 18 July Second British Army began a major offensive south from Caen (Operation Goodwood). I Corps' task was to attack along the left