Answer:
It simply means that, they lost out greatly in all things despite the fact that they were not killed by shells and bullets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word ''destroyed by the war'' could be likened to the fact that the men in question were total humbled by the loss of material assets like houses, means of livelihood, loss of relations and personal wealth (money) occasioned by the war. A situation where someone that was living comfortably was reduced to penury.