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50s to 90s

The KOC Archive: Magwa Hospital – Ahmadi

magwa

I’m in contact with one of my readers who has some old photos of Ahmadi and I’ll be posting some every now and then. Kinda like what I was supposed to do with the KOC Archive posts which I realized I’ve completely forgotten about. Anyway this post is about the Ahmadi Hospital and this is what he had to say about it:

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Ahmadi Hospital is known to many people especially the oil sector. Ahmadi Hospital was in inaugurated in April 1960 by Kuwait Oil Company and was called then “Southwell Hospital” after Kuwait Oil Company Sir Philip Southwell who was KOC president from 1946 to 1959. Sometime during the 80’s it was changed to “Ahmadi Hospital”

Before the hospital was built in Ahmadi town, KOC had a hospital in Magwa area (North Ahmadi Town, separated with Kuwait airport by the 7th ring road). That is where I was born and many others in that period. Attached are some pictures of Magwa Hospital.

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I’ve also uploaded the two photos of the hospital staff in high resolution in case you’re interested in seeing them up close. You can view those [Here] and [Here]

105 replies on “The KOC Archive: Magwa Hospital – Ahmadi”

I was also born in Ahmadi hospital. I was also taken care of there after my accident which resulted in a spinal cord injury when I was 4 years old. To me it was like a 5 star hotel, anything I asked for would be done. I visited the hospital recently, it had some parts renovated and has a bit of a modern look. I miss how it was in the 80s. My physiotherapist would take me around the hospital to get me used to my new method of mobility (the wheelchair). Good old days.

Hello I have a cousin who was born in the hospital in 1959 and we are desperately trying to get his that time Birth certificate attested with MOF and justice and are in vain. Where is this hospital?

I was born in Magwa Hospital in the year 1948. My dad was working with KOC. . I have a family picture taken in front of Main office during 1960. You can see it on my Google+

I was born in Ahmadi Kuwait in February 1953. My mother was a nurse at the hospital in those days and my father was an accountant with KOC. They were married and I was baptized at the RC in Kuwait (Our Lady of Arabia I think.) We moved back to England about two years later. Stories which I have heard from my late mother are that the hospital was a tent.
I was Anne Dixon then ( daughter of Kenneth & Christina Dixon.)

Thanks for posting those pictures.

My Mum was really excited to recognize two or three people in that group picture. She and my father worked in and met each other in Magwa / Southwell hospital.

Hi. Stu. I was born in Magwa Hospital in 1954 and I believe there was a doctor there with the name of Mirsh or sounding like that. Perhaps your mum knew of him. What year was that group photo taken?

The dr. You Speak of was call called Alan marsh his wife was called Joyce and they had a son tim who was good school friend.
My two sisters were born in the magwa hospital Tina in 1951 and Shona in 1953 the day Everest was concord .ilivd in Kuwait from 1950 untill 1957 when I came home to the uk to go to school .

Hi Malcolm. Firstly, my apologies. In the course of my family research I revisited this website this morning and found your informative reply to my query of 2016. Thank you for this information, adding another piece to my knowledge. Was Dr. Alan Marsh a Surgeon? And do you know what period he worked at Magwa? Similar to you, I lived in Ahmadi from 54 to 61 when we were sent to school Ireland after a brief period at the Anglo-American school.

Yes, Dr Allen Mersh was a surgeon. He removed my appendix at Magwa in 1952. His son, Tim Allen-Mersh is a Professor of Surgery and can be found by googling his name.

I visited Ahmadi in 2013 and also previously in 1984. I went to look at Magwa hospital in 1984 and the entire building(s) had been consumed by the dessert. Only a short roof and wall section was jutting out and surrounded by a few grazing goats. A sad sight!

Dear Sir,
I am a nurse working in Ahmadi Hospital. We are doing research about the first Kuwaiti Nurse who worked either in Southwell Hospital or Ahamdi Hospital. We need name/s and pictures if possible.

Hi I was born 1957 at Magwa hospital. My mother Maureen Pallin née Horsley was a nurse there before I was born. In the first of the high resolution photos, top line of nurses, 4th from right is Irene Polley née Hyde. 5th from the right is Terry Wilkins.
Great photos. Victoria Pallin

Hi Victoria
I am Deborah – daughter if Doffy and John Collins and we’re friends of your Mum and Dad in Kuwait. I have pictures of us as 2/3 year olds in Kuwait! I was born in Magwa hospital in 1958 and good to see the pix. I remember visiting your family in Beirut when I was about 11. My Dad is still alive aged 95!
Debbie

Hi Debbie, how wonderful to hear from you. I, too, have gorgeous pictures of you and your parents, who I remember so well. You are a bit younger than me I think, so I don’t remember you from the AA school but I have birthday party photos! It would be lovely to catch up but sadly not in person. I live in New Zealand!

It was a great feel when I say those photos. My brother Gerard was born in 1957 and myself in 1960 in Magwa hospital. My father C J Antony was working in the hospital and later worked in the Southwell hospital as a X-ray technician. I also have some old photographs of that period.

I also was born in Kuwait in 1958 April 27 then came to India. Both my parents died. I was very small that time. My dad was working for east India company.. I lost my mom passport in transist in which I travelled with her. Now I want to go back but due to no birth certificate I m unable to make my passport.. I request help from Kuwait ambassy urgently..

Amazing seeing these photos of Magwa hospital. I was bon there in 1954 and from what I was told there was a Doctor called Mirsh or similar sounding. I would love to know if any members knew of him. Great memories of our time in the KOC town of Ahmadi and Kuwait.

I remember Dr Allan Mersh he used to live next door to us on 4th Street North. My brothers Peter and Philip used to spend a lot of time at his house with his son Tim. Tim went on to be a Dr. My sister Pamela Anne was born in the Magwa Hospital

Its so nice to see these old pictures of South Well Hospital. My Dad was working in K.O.C and left kuwait in 1970. My sister was born in this hospital and I cant forget those memories. Thanks for posting these beautiful photos.

What a lovely walk down memory lane. I was born in Magwa Hospital on 8/10/57 when my Father (Bob Sr.)was working for KOC (1952 – 1967). His KOC number was 1266, and as we shared identical (family) Chrstian names, I was always ‘Son of 1266’. I revisited Kuwait and Ahmadi in Nov. 2013 and had a wonderful time seeing all my old childhood haunts. Ahmadi had not changed one little bit and I easily navigated round it from what I recalled as a child living there.
Last lived at 32/11th Ave.
Thanks for the pictures and comments from other bloggers.

My sister was born in Southwell Hospital in 1962. My Dad worked for KOC. I was a teenager at that time, lovely memories of the Hubara and Motoring Clubs.

I was born in May 1956 at Southwell Hospital. My elder, younger sisters and my younger brother were all born at Southwell hospital. My Dad, Udham Singh Malhotra worked in KOC till 1964. I shall be pleased to connect with known families. Thank you

My brother Mohan Roy who was born in Magwa hospital on July 5th. 1952 wants a duplicate copy of his birth certificate. Does anyone know how we can get one ?

My Father was in KOC 1950-1978.
Augustine Saldanha. He was working at MD Bungalow(White House).
Mr Strand, Mr Ahmed Jaafer.We used to visit Kuwait During our summer vacation from India.

Hello Saldanha, I remember your father’s name. My father and mother knew him. My father was at KOC from 1950 to 1980. His name was Leslie Davies and he was a drilling engineer and then General Manager for many years and worked closely with Jim Strand and Ahmad Jaafar. I am so glad to make contact with you.

Hi..Les and my Dad Geoff Pryke were great chums..Dad passed away in May 2021 but his memories of Kuwait always remained strong and very dear to him. How is your brother?
I was born in Magwa in August 1956..Anglo American school until 1964/5 then uk to board..My brother Graeme was born in Southwell hospital in 1960 so I guess one of the early babies at the new facility..
I’d love to go back ..Graeme visited on a flying trip a while back and got to see our old bungalow..31 MainSt North..much the same but rattan fence given way to hideous concrete wall!!!

Hello all! It’s Rebecca Iles, sister of Alex and Jon Iles, daughter of Sidney and Pat Iles. I was born in 1966 in Southwell hospital and my Mum worked there as a midwife too. Unfortunately I don’t have any photos of Kuwait.

Do you have pics and the name of any kuwaiti nurse who worked with your Mom..i am doing research to commend nurses who worked in magwa or southwell hospital

Hello Rebecca. We knew your parents well. We left Kuwait in 1964, my husband Nick Barraclough worked for KOC and in the early days ran the kitchens at Magwa hospital. Your mother Pat delivered my daughter Nicole in January 1960. Our son Anthony was born in the Southwell Hospital in 1962.
We lived in Kent and Sussex before moving to my home in Jersey Channel Islands in 1976. In recent years my children have also come to live in Jersey.
Sadly Nick died some years ago and I have remarried hence the change of surname !

My parents lived in Ahmadi from 1957 to 1982. I attended the Anglo-American School until 1967. I learned how to swim, play tennis and squash at the Hubara Club. It was a magical time to be in Ahmadi. The Beatles were still recording albums! Summer activities were centered around the Hubara Club, the Kuwait Little Theater (KLT), The Ahmadi Desert Motoring Club (ADMC), the Small Boat Owners Association (SBOA) and the Cumberland Yacht Club (CYC), which shared a beach just south of Mina al Ahmadi. Then of course we had the Go-Karts club, horse-riding stables facility, the golf course, the annual New Year’s Day England vs. Scotland football match…and the list goes on. Those who experienced that unique time and space should enjoy a new short novel, THE ALTAI, by Tony Frank. It is based in Magwa and Ahmadi, and available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.

Hi TARIF. I was in the same class as your sister Lama. How is she? We kept in touch after we went to school for a few years. Jane Rigby(Scott)

Hi Jane! Please pardon the tardy response, I just saw your message. I remember you! Lama is well, thank you, living in Amman, Jordan. Goes by Lama Abaza. Her email address is [email protected]. I’m sure she would love to hear from you.

Hi Tarif, I was friends with your sister Cyma. I’d love to make contact with her. My name’s Wendy Simpson – my parents were Jo and Gordon Simpson and they were good friends with your folks.

Hi Wendy,

I remember you well, and remember how close you and Cyma were. You can reach her at [email protected]. I’m sure she will be delighted to reconnect with you. I also remember your parents. If they are still with us, I hope they are well.

Best,
Tarif

Hi Jane ….I have a couple of fotos of our class in 1960-61 ….Christmas party. I can send them to you if you tell me where. do you remember me ? It wasn’t yesterday. – Hope life has treated you well ….

Hi Lindsay. For some reason just seen your reply!!!! Yes I remember you. I think you lived just down the road from me on Main Street. So long ago!!! I would love to see photos….

Hi Lindsay. Apologies for the 3 year delay! I just browse this forum now and then!! Of course I remember you…..we both lived on Main street. The Duffys did too, I think. I would love to see the photos. I have some photos too and, I believe, a telephone directory from Ahmadi. They are in a loft, having moved several times so one day I will have to investigate. I am stiil in Yorkshire where I went to boarding school. I made contact with Tarif and then his sister Lama Abboushi. So many years have passed but those Ahmadi years at the AA School and Hubara Club are very vivid. I saw Mr Innes (Sir, the school teacher) on TV one day, he was very local to me so I tracked him down. He definitely remembered me and my sisters Anne and Pym as swimmers…..I still swim every day. Names I still remember are Fiona Jack, Mary-Lynne Purcell, Siobhan ?, McGrory family(all swimmers), Anne Detchen, Pam Shaw……..Happy Days!

I remember your name … from all that time ago…as I had googled Magwa where I was born in 1956
Im Lynne Jones and mum (Betty) ran the Tiny Tots nursery school and Dad ( Huw Jones) was an engineer in the KOC
We lived on 15 Main street
Happy days then for me and my brother Phil, swimming at the Hubara club etc
I even read the name Mary Lynne Purcell..as my brother had a big crush on her at the AA school !
Nice to remember!

Hi Lynne
Yes I do remember you. I was born April 1955. You might remember my sister Anne, who was born August 1956 and Pym 2 years later. Also my brother John, the youngest. I, too, have photos but they are in a box somewhere. I live between ilkley and Leeds, in Yorkshire now. I would love to see the photos…[email protected]. Good to hear from you. Jane

Hi Lynne
I replied previously but I am not sure if the system worked!
Yes, I do remember you. You were possibly in the same class as Anne, my sister. We also lived on Main Street in Ahmadi. We have lots of photos too. I will have to get the old KOC linen box out. I would love to see your photos. My email is [email protected]
I hope this reaches you.
Regards
Jane

Hi Tarif, I think we were in the same class at the AA school. I lived with my two brothers Peter and Michael (who sadly died in July) at 2/11th Avenue, which is right next to the Hubara Club where we practically lived!. My Dad Tex was also a member of the SBOC and have very fond memories of fun times sent there and of Spam who always a good laugh . I’m still in touch with a few of the old crowd including Steve Gilchist. Sadly his sister Kay passed away when she was only 5o. I live in Cornwall. Whereabout did you eventually settle? Cheers, John

Hi John,

Good to hear from you. Thanks for the ping. I live in Houston, Texas. Please convey my regards to Steve.

Cheers back!

Hi John
I knew your bothers and was born at magwa hospital in 1951. Michael was my age and we were in the same class at AA school then went off to Fyling Hall School in Yorkshire aged 11. My parents Bob and Margaret Mackenzie were great friends with the Gilchrists and I knew Stephen and Kay. Sad to hear of her early death. I’m in touch with Sally and Virginia Porter but no one else from those good old days. My older sister Carol sadly died in 2021. I have another sister Ailie who was born at Southwell hospital in 1961. I too remember Mr Innes – my favourite teacher! Lots of happy memories of those days.

Hi Moira, I remember you from Fyling Hall all those years ago. Michael died in London in 2020 and sadly Peter also died last November in Thailand. Sorry to learn of your sister’ death. All very sad.
I’m still in touch with Steve Gilchrist who lives in Arran and paid a visit to ahmadi in June. I also keep in touch with Martin Pritchett, who went back to FH recently for the centenary celebrations. Claire White and John Wooley have both passed away now.
Nice to hear from you Moira. Take care and keep in touch
John

Hi Tarif ….. Lama was my first “love-story” – we were 5 or 6 but I’ve never forgotten her. I went to the Anglo American school but only until 1963 when my parents sent me to school in Scotland. Patrick and Dinky Duffy were my neighbors and friends. I was in the same class as Dinky, Lama and Jane (Scott). – Say hi to your sister ….

– Hi Tarif – me again ….. My sister Lynda is still in touch with a certain Susan Baker …sister of Nigel Baker …who was perhaps a friend of yours ….??? – If so, maybe I can help you get in touch. -let me know.

Hi Lindsay, Nigel was indeed a friend, and yes, please, I would appreciate you reconnecting us via Susan. Thank you!

Hi Tarif, I’m pretty sure we were in the same class at the AA School. These are the names of class mates whose names I remember: Faith and Andrea Marsh (who were twins), Pamela Brown, Haifa Nebali, Tony Gooch (who moved to Australia), Roger Whitmire, Rodney Allen, Gus something. There must have been two classes of kids born in 1957. One of my best friends was Julie Drage, but she wasn’t in our class. Also Toni McCaney, Joyce Screech. I lived at 9/11th Street, Ahmadi 2 and stayed at AA School until summer of 1967. Thereafter a truly dreadful boarding school on England. My father retired from KOC in 1969. I remember miss Berry, miss Tucker, and Mr Innes well. It’s funny we remember the same teachers and presumably not others. I may be wrong but I think the first class teacher was called miss Pettigrew and she had very long finger nails! The things we recall….

Hi Victoria! What a blast reading all those names in your post! The Gus must be Ghassan “Gus” Yacoub. He lives in the San Francisco Bay area, and we are still in touch. Julie Drage circled back to Kuwait and I last saw her in Ahmadi in 1979, just before I left the country for good. Miss Berry…the PE teacher. Miss Tucker…taught me something, but I cannot remember what. Mr. Innes stuck around in Ahmadi for a while, took a position with KOC other than at the AA school. Must admit I don’t remember Miss Pettigrew or her fingernails! Where do you live now?

Hi again Tarif. I posted some short comments yesterday and like to continue with little more. The Habara Club you mentioned brought me good memories and here I am trying to say something that will definitely bring happy memories and a smile. We all learned to swim under Mrs. Stanley’s hands. First at the pool located right at the entrance to the Hole in the Wall. The hole in the wall itself, and the chips in the china dishes. Hubara’s hamburgers, popsicles, ice cream, and many more. Tennis and Mr. Wally. The stairs leading to the squash room, which was scary for me. – Snooker/billiard hall. Dinner dance every Wednesday during the summer. Tambola/Bingo. Movie theater and of course so many things that it would take forever to list.

Hi Tarif, I remember your family well. Your sister Cyma was my best friend. My parents were Jo and Gordon Simpson, and they spent a lot of time with your parents. Rabab taught me Arabic. It would be lovely to be in touch with Cyma. The last time I saw her was in England in about 1974.

With all best wishes, Wendy

Hi Tarif.
My Name is Hani Dibbeh. I was born in Al Ahmadi on January 1960. My parents lived in Al Ahmadi from 1956 to 1990. Don’t be surprised to tell you i lived on the same street you lived in, 73 15th avenue. This is exactly across the 15th avenue from your neighbor’s house Kabarah. I know your sisters Lama and Sima. What a coincidence and what a beautiful life we had in Al Ahmadi.

I was born at Southwell hospital on a Monday 11:30 pm February thirteenth I wish I could get the doctors name, she was a lady dr. Anyway the best days

I was born in March 1961 at Southwell hospital and went to the Anglo American school till about 1970. Like most brits my father worked for KOC.

Surprisingly I just recently found out that I had a younger brother born 1959 or 1960 who sadly died at birth. I wonder if anyone local knows how to trace any records of him in Ahmadi? All of the family have now gone so i have know way of knowing what happened.

Lovely to see the old photos of the Magwa Hospital staff. My dad, Monty McCarthy is in both of the staff photos. He was Chief Health Inspector with KOC from 1948 to 1967. I was born in Magwa hosp. in 1950. I think I was one of the first European children to be born there as I have the No. 13 on my birth certificate. Many thanks for the research and memories.

Lovely Photos of Magwa Hospital staff….very nostalgic. Four of us, my brother and sisters were born in Magwa hospital. I was born in Magwa on May 7th, 1956, presumably under care of the these wonderful persons. My father worked at KOC from 1946 to 1964. His name was Udham Singh and my mother name was Pritpal Kaur. Is there anyway we can source copies of hospital records. Pleased to hear. We presently live in BC, Canada. Thank you.

I was born in magwa hospital n my dad worked in KOC he is sitting 5in front row but he is no more Thanx for this photo this is unbelievable as after 46 -47yrs This happened n memories r fresh again

My dad is sitting in this photo 5th in front row, Iwas born in magwa hospital 1956 , I thank U for this photo Our memories r revived God bless U

Mark, God bless you for posting these photos of Southwell Hospital/Maghwa Hospital. I was amazed to see my Dad, a handsome young man (PremKant H Vasudev) sitting in the front row fifth from the left alongwith four pretty looking Hospital sisters.
I was born in Maghwa Hospital on 01 April 1958 and stayed in house no. 7 Mid 8 Street untill Oct 1974. I visited Kuwait in 2009 with my wife and two grown up children and relived my childhood by visiting every spot I could in Ahmadi and Kuwait city.The highlight was when I could enter my old house after a lot of persuation with the Kuwaiti family who were the current occupants. I entered each room and relived the sweet memories once again. Mark! can’t thank you enough. God bless you. Wing Commander Manohar Vasudev(Retd) New Delhi, India +91 9873442525

Can anyone give me information on Dr WJF Thom, a Medical Specialist and a gem of a Doctor. My Dad and he had great mutual admiration. There was also a Dr Barnes. Wud be grateful, if some could give information on both these Doctors. Wg Cdr Manohar Vasudev(Retd) New Delhi, India +91 9873442525

Oh my goodness, what a joy to hear all your memories. I was born in Magwa in 1957, my brother Glyn in 1956, my sister Lorna in Southwell in 1960, my youngest sister Sue was born in the UK. And my mother Kay Davies (nee Riggs) was a midwife in Magwa from 1953 to 55. Sadly she’s not in any of the photos. I remember Dr Thom – he had a kind voice, didn’t he? I remember the PMD(preventative medical division) – all those immune boosters – cholera, smallpox, yellow fever.
We all went to the AA school. I loved it there – Miss Tucker the music teacher, Miss Mackenzie, dyed black hair and shakey hands, the scarey PE teacher – what was her name, always wore white pleated short skirt and flip flops and had a really deep voice. Ian Innes in the Swede across the road from the main building. And tiny Miss Packman – the first class we went into – she fitted those tiny wooden chairs and tables we sat at. I remember playground duty – being in charge of the first aid box. And the Hubara Club – swimming badges – I’ve still got the ‘silver’ cup for my 5 miles front crawl in 1966 – Mrs Stanley counting down the lengths on her clip board. I remember the fountain that dispensed blessedly cold water however hot the day.The baby pool with the fountain in the middle and all the ayahs in their beautiful saris chatting whilst we played.Does anyone else remember the chips and ketchup from the Hole in the Wall. So many of your names familiar – the Blezards, Tarif, Sheila Sharma, Jane Scott. My father Les Davies left Kuwait in 1980 after 30 years, continued in the oil business with Maersk Oil in Denmark for another 10 years before retiring.
It’s been a joy remembering… thank you all – and Mark for the opportunity.

Yes, I also remember a very scary PE teacher with short hair upbraiding me about some misdemeanour on one of the AA School buses! I also have fond memories of devouring chips and ketchup from the Hole in the Wall at the Hubara Club.

Hello Rona, I certainly remember you and your sister, Lorna. This is Karen Fogelberg; I was born at Magwa in 1959; my patents were Bud and Mary Fogelberg. You remind me about the Hole in the Wall at the Hubbara Club; loved the chips with vinegar and the salt wrapped up in a little piece of blue paper. Funny what you remember. Lovely to see your post, Karen

I was in Mina in 1967 as a welder and Ann Thom and I were going out together. The Hubara Club as it was then was great. Michael Kelly’s Father was the Tug Master or whatever name it had. I came from Belfast after finishing my apprenticeship with Kerry Scott
His Father worked for the KOC for many years. I clearly remember a Uni student from Sunderland bringing St Pepper during Summer
vacation and we played it non stop. I also remember the restrictions during the 6th Day conflict. Many memories.

Hi, I was born at Magwa Hospital to my my Mum Barbara Dickinson in September 1955. We lived next to the Hubara Club at 2/11th Avenue and I attended The Anlgo American School until 1966

Wow This has been so lovely to read. I too was born in Magwa hospital 6 April 1958.
I recognise some of the names and all those lovely memories of being at the AA school. Hubara Club. Yacht Club. Riding. etc etc and the list goes on.

Yes. Those were glorious days. Good management leadership to. Where Kuwaiti locals and expatriate community created a fusion of joy and communial harmony. Long live Kuwait 🇰🇼 and her Leaders. God bless Kuwait.

Hi all:
Great to hear all your memories. I was born in Magwa in 55. I knew many of you. I now am retired and live in Charleston, SC, U.S. I spent 15 years in advertising in NY after MIT and then 20 years on Silicon Valley. My father was Dick KOC# 591. I had a wonderful childhood in Ahmadi/Kuwait. Love to all.
Paul Smith

Hi all
Just came across this post having googled Magna on my 67 th birth a day today(1954) – I am guessing the first person I saw was guessing the first I saw was Kay Davies ( Rona’s Mum)
Hi Tarif – remember you and your Dad well – I remember we used to hang out together and often went ‘hunting in the desert’ Happy days!!

Hi Rhys,
I do remember ‘hunting in the desert’ with you in Ahmadi, and also running into you at a petrol station in Manchester a few years later. good to hear from you. Stay well!

Hi Rhys
Mum would have been so happy with your answer- she took such pride in her midwifery skills and loved the fact that she had been at the birth of so many of your/our(!) generation. Happy birthday to you!

Hi Tarif
I think we both lived in /near Didsbury – seem to remember you lived in a flat and had someone from the band 10cc living above you -Kevin Godley I think. What are you doing with yourself these days ?
[email protected]

God bless all whom born in Magwa. I was born there on 01/10/1959 and I have a birth ciritificate writen o it place of birth Magwa Hospitil. Still happly living on Kwait. in my cirtificate the birth reporter is A. F. Makracen and the doctor name Hassan Fareed Abo Ghazala. I enjoyed reading all your comments about Magwa.

Hello Ahmed,

Request your guidance on how to obtain a duplicate Birth Certificate. I was born in Magwa on May 07, 1956. Presently residing in Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Dear Inder,

Sorry for replying late. I just noticed your question today, 02/04/2025. Sure, you can obtain a duplicate for your birth certificate, and I did that recently. However, you have to come personally to Kuwait and visit the birth certificate department, which is located in Maidan Hawally.
I can help you if you come to Kuwait. You can call me on this mobile number: +(965) 99615248.

Best regards.

Ahmed AL-Madhoun

Hi All

I was born in Magwa Hospital 24th September 1959. My father Desmond Cooper, a Surgeon, worked for K.O.C. however, I do not know his employee number. My parents Desmond and Lesley along with my brothers, Nicholas, Timothy and my sister Maria, returned to Australia where I now reside.
I was too young to remember much about Kuwait, however, my two older brothers have fond memories of their time there. I wish at some point in my life that I could return to visit understanding that the hospital is no longer there.

Hi everyone. Good to see all the names..from time gone by. I used to live at 48 12thstreet. We got the EAST 2 OR EAST 1 school bus. There was a girl Jane or Julie..Ninan Birney. I recall a Meme Yacobe who was always happy Have a older brother Alan..Lam now living Norfolf…very slow pace after London for most of my time.

Take care all of you good hear your news

Interesting to read everyone’s comments. My father, Basil Butler, worked for KOC as a petroleum Engineer from 1958-68 and again in the early 70s. After being housed in an “aluminium” near the Nursery Gardens, we lived at 50 12th Street in early 1960s and I attended the excellent AA School and well remember catching (and sometimes missing!) the yellow school buses. My sister, Clare, was born at Magwa in Feb 1960, possibly in one of the Nissen huts.

Hello Richard, my name is Karen Fogelberg, and my father was Bud Fogelberg (also a petroleum engineer). I’m sure we (you, me, Clare) attended AA at the same time. I was born at Magwa Hospital in 1959; my brother John was born at Southwell 1961.
My father was very close friends with your Dad, Basil. We visited your Ahmadi home often, and I can remember never getting your dad’s name right and always mis-pronouncing his name and calling him “Mr. Buckler”. My dad died several years ago, but even in his later years when we spoke about Ahmadi/Kuwait, he always had such fond memories of your family and your dad, and in all our chats he would always recall Basil.

Lovely to hear from you, Karen

Hi Karen – My Dad certainly remembers good times working with your Dad. He also recalls that we looked after your Boston Bull terrier, Flutie, for a while, presumably when you were on leave. Flutie made a big impression on me as well! Apparently early one morning Clare raised the alarm as Flutie was being attacked my another dog that had got into our garden and, in the process of trying to separate them, one of his slippers flew over the garden fence! I think you were good friends with Clare and in her year at the AA. My Mum died a couple of years ago and I came across these posts whilst checking some details for an eulogy I am due to give at a Service of Thanksgiving we are holding for her life. I will mention we’ve made contact to Clare.
All the Best, Richard

Karen – my parents were good friends of yours and your brother John and I were born the same week in Southwell Hospital. My mother – Maura Healy, then Milton – worked at Magwa from 1954 to 1958. She met my Dad Don Milton there and married. She loved her time in Kuwait and I know I have pictures of you and John at my birthday party!

Hi Karen,
This is Wendy, daughter of Jo and Gordon Simpson (born Southwell 1962, for the record)! I used to hang out with your brother John and his collection of rubber ghastlies, and sometimes with you… I have a vague memory of breaking into an empty house with you…? Or perhaps just with John.
Hope all is well with you. X

Hi. Mike McQuaid here. Late to the conversation. I was born in Magwa in February ‘58 and my older brother,Tony, in February ‘56. Nice to see some old names and memories your posts have conjured up.
Stay well.

Tarif..I recall your name from School and The Hubara Club..I’m sure we swam there frequently!Peter Turner..Martin Owen..The Jewel kids!?i remember Mimi Yacoub learning to swim and Ann Marie Pitts..I think she became a flight attendant with KA?hope you’re well!i will definitely try and find that book!!im retired now though living in Hong Kong..after 36 years as Captain with Cathay.what and where did you go after the Anglo American??

Lovely to read all the comments and bring back memories. My Dad Pete Williams was with KOC from 1956 to 1969.Iremember the Hubara club and I have been reminded of the chips and ketchup! Going for a quick visit today to Ahmadi so no doubt will remember more Such good times there

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