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The Russian Link

Vadim Bonch

Vadim BonchBSc(Eng) 1937

Vadim Bonch studied Electrical Engineering at HKU in the 1930s and resided at Morrison Hall. After graduation, he worked for the Hong Kong Electric Company at the power station when it was a coal-powered facility, located by the harbour past Causeway Bay. Bonch joined the British army during the Japanese attack in the 1940s and became a Prisoner-of-War. Bouch and his wife were in Japanese prison camps, he at Stanley Bay and his wife in Shanghai where she was sent to a civilian camp. He and his family left for Canada in 1957.


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“The photos and story are poignant reminders of what my parents went through, as did so many. They were survivors. My father never spoke of the difficulties.  He emerged from the ordeal with the philosophy that life is to be enjoyed and appreciated. When I asked questions about what it was like, he replied that one time they made curry in a large metal tub, although it took a long time to gather the ingredients.”  

 

Barbara Myronuk

Daughter of Vadim Bonch who was born in Hong Kong

  • Vadim Bonch in the 1930s
  • Vadim Bonch in the 1930s
  • Morrison Hall Champion 1934: Vadim Bonch (sitting, 1st left)
  • HKU Track Team: Vadim Bonch (standing 4th from left)
  • Photo from Barbara Myronuk, daughter of Vadim Bonch
  • Photo from Barbara Myronuk, daughter of Vadim Bonch
  • Kathryn Myronuk