"Gradually I became aware of details: a company of French soldiers was marching through the streets of the town. They broke formation, and went in single file along the communication trench leading to the front line. Another group followed them"

The quote paints a brilliant picture of a town in the middle of war. The French soldiers are marching through the streets, their formation broken up as they go in file along the interaction trench. This suggests that the town is close to the cutting edge, and the soldiers are heading there to combat. The presence of the soldiers is a suggestion of the damage and violence of war, and the truth that they are marching in file suggests a sense of solemnity and decision. The quote likewise communicates a sense of inevitability, as the soldiers march towards the cutting edge, knowing that they may not return. It is a powerful pointer of the human expense of war.