Re: punkoid, may 12, 2005 -

The disease described here was known by the troops as shell shock. It needed about three years of grim warfare until it was recognized as heavy a mental disturbance and not cowardice.
I'm on furlough now, but I'll look up my source when I'm back at university.
Methinks there is not a bit of poetical license in it; it is correct in its description. Based on truth it is one of the most moving songs about this theme.