The Battle of Étreux was a significant skirmish in the series of conflicts during the early days of World War I, specifically within the context of the Great Retreat. This maneuver was crucial for the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) as they faced a concentrated German offensive. The Royal Munster Fusiliers, part of the 10th Brigade, found themselves in a significant defensive position at Étreux, tasked with holding back the advancing German Army led by General von Kluck. On August 27, they engaged in combat with the enemy forces, fully aware that their stand was a vital part of safeguarding the retreat of British soldiers afoot or in nearby positions.The action at Étreux involved a close-quarters battle marked by determination and valor, as the Royal Munster Fusiliers fought against overwhelming numbers. With heavy casualties on both sides, the small battalion's role was crucial; they managed to inflict considerable losses on the German forces while delaying their advance. This tactical engagement allowed time for fellow British divisions to retreat toward familiar defensive lines, proving that rearguard actions, albeit costly, could influence broader strategic outcomes in a rapidly evolving battlefield situation. The aftermath saw the survivors of Étreux fighting against demoralizing odds as they continued to engage in the defensive strategy of the British forces along the Western Front.