The Times correspondent's observation highlights the tragic consequences of battle, particularly in terms of understanding the human cost. The difficulty in estimating Austrian losses underscores the chaotic nature of war, where many soldiers go unaccounted for. The reference to bodies being discovered only by their decomposing stench points to the grim reality of death on the battlefield, often hidden until it becomes undeniable.

This commentary from a war journalist emphasizes the grim truth that many sacrifices during combat remain invisible for long periods, contributing to an incomplete picture of the war's devastation. The scene described evokes a somber reflection on the horrors of conflict, revealing how the aftermath of battle can linger, both in physical remnants and in the memories of those who lived through it.