Interpretation Keith, I read 'lying in some dirty hole' with reference to the battlefield in the next line as being lost and left on the field in line with the implied non caring attitude of the powers that be.

The 'poor fools of war' is a phrase an objector would have used at the time and like it or not reflects the strength of opinion of the user.

This is a good song about objectors and volunteers and just like all good songs creates emotion.   The sentiments sadden you... the story makes me think...   something else to someone else.