"They managed to find time... to tell me that there was no chance of my being accepted for service and that really I should be surprised to still be alive"

This quote by C. S. Forester is a reflection on the severe realities of war. It speaks with the idea that even in the middle of a chaotic and harmful scenario, the military still had the time to notify the speaker that they were not fit for service. This indicates that the speaker was not up to the requirements of the military, which they were fortunate to still live. This quote talks to the idea that war is a serious and unforgiving business, and that even in the midst of it, the armed force still has the time to ensure that only the very best and most capable are accepted for service. It also speaks to the idea that the speaker was fortunate to have endured, which they should be grateful for the possibility to still live.