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"These are barely trained troops led by Russian officers who they don't understand," former British Army tank commander, Col Hamish de Bretton-Gordon had said earlier this year.

The letter has been described as "prophetic", as it records Col Gracie telling an acquaintance he would "await my journey's end" before passing judgement on the "fine ship".

Col Gracie was one of about 2,200 passengers and crew on board the Titanic sailing to New York.

Col Gracie's account of the sinking is among the best known.

Although Col Gracie survived the disaster, his health was severely affected by the hypothermia and physical injuries he suffered.