A new autobiography by Retired General André Cox was formally launched at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London, England on Founders’ Day (July 2).

Poacher Turned Gamekeeper: A Life Lived to the Full offers readers a lively, reflective and deeply personal account of General André Cox’s life shaped by faith, calling and service. It traces his journey from his early years in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), through his calling to officership, leadership across several territories and election as General of The Salvation Army in 2013.

Opening Words from the Chief of the Staff

Opening the launch event, Commissioner Edward Hill, Chief of the Staff, reflected on the significance of the book and the lasting impact of General Cox’s leadership.

He recalled General Cox’s declaration on being elected General: “My dream for this great organization is that The Salvation Army will be characterized as being a force for good, a force for change and a force that lives by the values it proclaims.” Commissioner Hill described those words as “prophetic” in 2013 and said they continue to resonate strongly within The Salvation Army in 2026.

The book offers a wide-ranging portrait of General Cox’s life and ministry, including his African childhood, early work at Harrods, love of football, sense of humour, experience as a cancer survivor, and commitment to innovation, accountability and global partnership. It also reflects on his pioneering role in strengthening ecumenical relationships, including becoming the first Salvation Army General to meet the Pope at the Vatican.

Commissioner Hill also paid tribute to Commissioner Silvia Cox, whose support is warmly acknowledged throughout the book, and thanked General Cox for his continuing service as The Salvation Army’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva and Vienna.

Path to Publication

Speaking at the launch, Paul Mortlock, Salvation Books publisher and editor of Poacher Turned Gamekeeper, gave a behind-the-scenes account of the book’s journey to publication, from the first manuscript and editing through to design, proofreading and printing.

He described the title as “intriguing” and praised the collaborative work involved in bringing the book to life, including the careful selection of photographs, the striking cover design and the detailed editorial and proofreading process.

Words of Thanks from General Cox

General Cox then shared his own reflections, thanking family, friends, colleagues and former team members who had gathered for the occasion.

He explained that much of the original manuscript was written during the COVID-19 period, when he began reflecting on what life had taught him. “I never felt entirely comfortable writing a book about myself,” he said. “Rather, my desire was to offer a reflective account of how my life has been shaped by faith, calling and service.”

He said his hope was that readers would be encouraged to reflect on their own journey, sense of purpose and response to God’s call.

A prayer of dedication was brought by Commissioner John Wainwright, a long-standing friend and officer-colleague of the Cox family. The prayer gave thanks for the influence of General André and Commissioner Silvia Cox and sought that readers would be inspired by the story of God’s guidance, grace and blessing.

The cutting of a Founders’ Day cake by Commissioner Silvia Cox was also a feature of the launch, and guests formed a long queue to purchase the new book and have their copy signed by the author.

Closing the event, Major Peter McGuigan, secretary for communications and managing editor, thanked the Cox family, ecumenical guests, Paul Mortlock and members of the communications team, and all who had helped make the launch possible. He described Poacher Turned Gamekeeper as “a valuable addition to the history of The Salvation Army” and a record of leadership, mission and faithful service that will speak to readers across the world.

Major McGuigan also announced the recipient of a free copy of Poacher Turned Gamekeeper. Through a social media exercise conducted by IHQ communications, participants were asked to engage with the opportunity by stating how their lives had been impacted by The Salvation Army. Entries were received from around the world, with the successful entrant saying, “When I was lost in addiction and unresolved grief, The Salvation Army was there to be a base of faith and recovery. That was just my introduction to the Army. Now my family and I serve at our local corps and have the opportunity to reach others with God’s love.”

Major McGuigan said that the comment personified a major theme of the book—the transformative love and power of God.

Click here to order a copy of Poacher Turned Gamekeeper: A Life Lived to the Full.