Nicoll F. Galbraith Sr. Papers

The Nicoll F. Galbraith Sr. Papers consist of a diverse range of materials documenting Colonel Nicoll F. Galbraith Sr.’s experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II, his recovery, and his post-war life. The collection includes photographs, journals, correspondence, military records, scrapbooks, ephemera, and digital materials, providing a detailed account of Col. Galbraith’s time in captivity and his subsequent return to civilian life.

Correspondence in the collection includes letters between Col. Galbraith and his family before the surrender of the Philippines, along with pre- and post-war telegrams, notes, and blank V-mail sheets. Also featured are letters related to Col. Galbraith’s post-war recovery, repatriation, and interactions with military veterans organizations, shedding insight into his reintegration process after his liberation.

The photographs include images of the Galbraith family in the Philippines before the official surrender to the Japanese military and official military photo sets from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Additionally, there are photographs of Col. Galbraith post-liberation, capturing his recovery and reintegration into civilian life.

A substantial portion of the collection consists of military records, orders, and notes, including Col. Galbraith’s service records, orders for relocating his family before the war, and maps of the Pantingan River area in the Philippines likely drawn during the Bataan Death March. Post-war materials provide insights into his recovery, physical examinations, and orders from 1946 to 1955. The collection also includes correspondence and materials related to Col. Galbraith’s awards and recognitions post-war.

The journals form a central part of the collection, with fifteen separate journals documenting Col. Galbraith’s daily life and experiences in prisoner of war camps from 1942 to 1945. These journals contain firsthand accounts of military operations, daily routines, interactions with Japanese authorities, and observations of war atrocities. Col. Galbraith’s writings also feature drafts of letters to his family and reflections on subjects such as food, language, discipline, and the mental toll of captivity.

Other notable materials in the collection include Prisoner of War Bulletins published for POWs and their families from 1943 to 1945, offering updates and information about their status. The collection also includes post-war pamphlets and booklets for returning servicemen, covering topics like psychological recovery, medical surveys, and reintegration support.

Ephemera from Col. Galbraith’s time in the POW camps – such as cigarette labels, food packaging, and POW canteen tickets – illustrates the daily life and material culture of prisoners.

Digital materials in the collection include digitized versions of Col. Galbraith’s diaries, letters, and photos. Additionally, there are audio and video interviews with Col. Galbraith (1978-1983) and other veterans, as well as a video exhibit titled “So Far From Home: The American POW Experience in WWII” (2010), documenting the experiences of prisoners of war. Interviews with Hal Leith and Jean Reldy about the rescue of General Wainwright and life under the Japanese occupation in the Philippines are also part of the digital collection.