Meaning: This quote is an excerpt from the memoir "Four Weeks in the Trenches" by Fritz Kreisler, an Austrian-born composer and violinist who served as a lieutenant in the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I. In this passage, Kreisler vividly describes the moment when he and his comrades first realized that they were entering into battle. The use of sensory details and precise language allows the reader to experience the tension and anticipation that Kreisler and his fellow soldiers felt as they prepared for the impending conflict.

The quote begins with the word "Suddenly," which immediately captures the abruptness and unexpected nature of the event. This conveys the idea that the soldiers were caught off guard by the commencement of the battle, adding to the sense of immediacy and urgency in the passage. The specific time reference of "about ten o'clock" further emphasizes the suddenness of the event and creates a palpable sense of time and place for the reader.

Kreisler's use of the phrase "a dull thud" to describe the sound of the explosion conveys a sense of foreboding and unease. The word "dull" suggests a muted, heavy quality to the sound, which contrasts with the suddenness and intensity of the event. This choice of language effectively communicates the gravity of the situation and sets the tone for the subsequent description of the battle.

The author goes on to describe the visual impact of the explosion, using the phrase "small white round cloud" to depict the aftermath of the shrapnel detonation. This imagery creates a striking juxtaposition between the serene, natural image of a cloud and the violent, man-made nature of the explosion. The distance of "half a mile ahead of us" serves to underscore the imminent danger that the soldiers were facing, as well as their proximity to the unfolding conflict.

Finally, Kreisler succinctly states, "The battle had begun," bringing the reader directly into the moment of realization and marking the beginning of the soldiers' harrowing experience. This concise declaration effectively conveys the gravity of the situation and serves as a powerful conclusion to the passage.

Overall, this quote from Fritz Kreisler's memoir captures the visceral experience of entering into battle and provides a poignant glimpse into the emotional and psychological impact of warfare. Through evocative language and vivid imagery, Kreisler transports the reader to the front lines of World War I, offering a firsthand account of the fear, tension, and anticipation that accompanied the onset of battle.