Bramwell Tillsley

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General Bramwell Tillsley

Bramwell Harold Tillsley was born on August 18th 1931 in Kitchener, Ontario, his parents having emigrated to Canada from the UK in 1928. Being born into a Salvationist family, his early years mirrored those of most young Salvationists. Junior Soldier, Corps Cadet, YP Bandsman and Senior Bandsman. He became an accomplished cornet soloist and developed a great love of music, particularly Salvation Army music. That year he became honour student at music camp, Maude Pitcher, the future Mrs. Bramwell Tillsley, was runner up. His Leadership qualifications were developed at the Kitchener Corps where he was appointed YP Band Leader. At the age of 19 he dedicated his life to God's work. Inspired by cadets from Toronto who were campaigning in Kitchener, his priorities changed, and the passion that was to be the ruling characteristic in his life was born.

Bramwell Tillsley and Maude Pitcher were married in 1953. In 1954, God blessed them with the birth of a daughter, Barbara. The following year, leaving their daughter in the care of Bramwell's mother, Doris, the couple entered training college as cadets of the 1955-1956 'Sword Bearers' session.

Following commissioning Bramwell Tillsley served in corps, youth, training college and divisional appointments in Canada, including a spell as Training Principal in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1974 he was appointed as Training Principal in the USA Eastern Territory where he served until 1977 when he returned to Newfoundland as Provincial Commander. 1979 saw him serving as Divisional Commander at Metro Toronto Division. Bramwell's first overseas appointment was as Principal of the International Training College in London where he served from 1981 to1985. He then returned to North America to take up the position of Chief Secretary to the USA Southern Territory, until in 1989 he was appointed Territorial Commander of the Australia Southern Territory. 1991 saw Bramwell return to London as Chief of the Staff to General Eva Burrows.

Bramwell Harold Tillsley was elected General of The Salvation Army by the 12th High Council on the 28th April 1993 and assumed command on the 9th July of the same year. He wrote extensively for Salvation Army periodicals and had published several books, including 'Life In The Spirit' and 'Manpower For The Master' Sadly Bramwell Tillsley's term as General was to be but short, and on 18th May 1994 he retired from active service due to ill health.

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