Born in South Africa, Commissioner Cottrill spent most of his youth overseas, completing his schooling in New Zealand.

Within a few months of his marriage to Captain Kathleen Ward in 1940, they set sail for Muckden in Manchukuo but, because of political unrest, found themselves transferred to the Boys' home in Singapore in 1941.

After her promotion to Glory, the Cottrill Memorial Fund was set up, supporting the children of Salvation Army Officers in Korea.

Right up until his death, Commissioner Cottrill continued to be a familiar face at division, territorial and international Army events in London.

Commissioner and Mrs Cottrill always had a love for young people and communicated across generational boundaries with consummate ease.