On August 24, the Dublin Fusiliers were transported by train to the village of Le Cateau. They marched north-west towards Cambrai, overshooting their rendezvous point. On August 26, German soldiers surrounded and outnumbered them by approximately three to one. Many were cut off from their battalions and captured. Those Prisoners of War were sent to Limburg.

Numerous Irish died there, including Private Michael Bowden in May 1918 and his brother-in-law, Private John Byrne just a few months later. Both 2nd RDF men were natives of Athy, Co. Kildare. Many Irish regiments, such as the Munster Fusiliers at Etreux, stood and fought almost to the last man. Lance Corporal John Boland of the 2nd Battalion Dublin Fusiliers, from Dorset Street was killed near Le Cateau, aged 20. To earn a living, he joined up during the 1913 Lockout. Other Royal Dublin Fusiliers killed the same day were:

Willie Clark from Talbot Street, James King from Clarence Street, James Martin from Finglas, Mathew Sharkey from Corporation Buildings, Foley Street, George Frazer from Pembroke Street and Ned Howey from Skerries.

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