“Fortunes of war”
Heroes Remember
“Fortunes of war”
Transcript
Description
Dr. Cunningham acknowledges that as an officer he had a much easier time in captivity than did the combat soldiers.
Dr. Winston Ross Cunningham
Dr. Winston Cunningham was born in Elgin, Manitoba on January 4, 1911. He was the third of five children. His father was a storekeeper and moved the family to a permanent home in Souris, Manitoba. Mr. Cunningham decided to pursue a career in dentistry, studying in Toronto. After graduating in 1934, he returned to his home in Souris to take over a vacant dental practice. In 1939, he volunteered for military service, assuming the rank of Captain. Doctor Cunningham was sent to the Hong Kong garrison, which quickly fell to the Japanese. He spent almost four years in Sham Shui Po POW camp, where he provided dental care to the internees. After the war, Doctor Cunningham remained in the military, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1963.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Recorded:
- July 16, 1998
- Duration:
- 1:11
- Person Interviewed:
- Dr. Winston Ross Cunningham
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Location/Theatre:
- Hong Kong
- Battle/Campaign:
- Hong Kong
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- Royal Rifles of Canada
- Rank:
- Captain
- Occupation:
- Doctor
Related Videos
Occupation and Surrender in Hong Kong
Dr. Cunningham describes the steady advance of the Japanese which eventually resulted in his field hospital retreating to Bowen Road Hospital.
The Tomato Garden
Dr. Cunningham discusses the prison camp diet in general, and then describes the prisoners' tomato garden.
Sham Shui Po Dental Clinic
Dr. Cunningham describes setting up his dental clinic at Sham Shui Po Camp with equipment brought from North Point POW camp. He indicates that dental health was good due to the lack of sugar in their diet.
Beriberi
Dr. Cunningham describes the pain of beriberi being similar to frost coming out of frozen toes. As the condition progressed, sufferers lost the sensation in their lower legs and feet.
Staying Informed
Dr. Cunningham describes using a hidden radio and smuggled Chinese newspapers to keep informed about the war's progress.
The War is Over
Dr. Cunningham discusses hearing that the war had ended as a result of the H-bombings in Japan, and describes his elation at the time.
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