Plan Adjustment

On September 1, 1888, the 421st Division arrived in Luanda ahead of the others, but faced with Luanda's well-prepared defenders, it was difficult for the 421st Division to break the deadlock.

However, on September 3, the 421st Division, having cast off the obstruction of the local natives, also arrived in Luanda. The two sides joined forces successfully in Luanda, which essentially meant that Portugal's rule in Angola had begun to totter.

After considering the current situation, the 331st and 421st Divisions agreed to cooperate. The 331st Division would take charge of the main assault, while the 421st Division would intercept Portuguese Army units attempting to return to reinforce Luanda. Both sides would give full play to their respective strengths in pursuit of victory at Luanda.

The 331st Division held a far greater advantage over the 421st Division in heavy weapons, and this was one of the important reasons why the 331st Division arrived in Luanda later than the 421st Division.

Meanwhile, the 421st Division's large cavalry force could ambush and encircle Portuguese Army units returning to reinforce the city, fully exploiting its mobility. Even if East Africa could not capture Luanda in the short term, it could still use Luanda to "besiege the point and strike the reinforcements."

Of course, the 421st Division's own firepower was still quite formidable. Thus, after Hullmond discussed the matter with Custer, the artillery of both armies was gathered together and put to use. This way, they could match Luanda's firepower.

At the same time, East Africa's other forces were also putting pressure on the Portuguese Army at the front. Portugal's main force was now, in effect, being "encircled" in reverse by East Africa.

Angola's important ports—Luanda, Benguela, and Cabinda—had all been surrounded by East Africa. This meant the Portuguese Army's retreat route had been