I recently posted about my views on graphic writing and how I think gratuitous violence / sex etc can be an easy way to shock readers. Right here, you have a brilliant example of how graphic description can strengthen and not weaken the writing. I was right there with Paul, seeing and smelling those bodies. The description is bang on.
At the risk of a long comment, two little things.
Like Craig, I found the last line a tiny bit flat, I felt a little as though it was a way to get the explanation in there, and him suddenly talking to himself felt a bit unnatural. You could just leave the explanation out – the fact it’s dental work is clear from the rest of the story, and for those who know about this period, the title is as much an identifier as the name. Alternatively, you might consider reframing this as action instead of speech. Something like “Paul gasped, recognising his old friend and patient, and reached for his spade [or took hold of the corpse, or whatever].” You would write this far better than I can, but I hope you get the point.
Second, I must admit I got a bit muddled about the orphans at the beginning. I think it’s because when I got to “dozens were buried”, I thought briefly it was dozens of the orphans. Possibly just “sons” would be clearer, because he’s unlikely to have dozens of sons (Not knowing anything about Bunker HIll I thought maybe the guy ran an orphanage…). Again, a small thing and I don’t want the length of the critique to take away from my reaction to the writing as a whole, but I trust you will see that.
Jen

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