Benjamin Baron

Benjamin Baron (16 October 1904 Bulawayo Rhodesia - 18 August 1994 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) known as Ben, was the son of Max Baron (1880-1948) and Dora Baron born Lieberman (1885-1963). He was educated at Milton High School, Bulawayo and at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. He was an attorney and notary. He was a member of the Rhodesian Parliament from 1954-1958. He married Rachel Hannah Joffe (1910-2006) on the 2nd September 1972. He had four children and the family lived in Bulawayo. He was active in Jewish affairs in Zimbabwe

During World War Two he served in the 2nd Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment from 1939 to 1944. His rank was Lieutenant - Colonel.

His brothers Joseph Baron M.C. (1911-2013), Hymie Baron (1915-1988) and David Montague Baron (1919 -1995) also served in the war. When their father died in 1948, his obituary stated " Four of his sons fought in the late war. One of them was a lieutenant - colonel, one was awarded the Military Cross, and one was a wing commander; the fourth saw service in North Africa and Italy."

Sources: 1. South African Jewry 1976-77 Edition. A Survey of the Jewish Community; Its Contributions to South Africa; Directory of Communal Institutions; and a Who's Who of Leading Personalities Feldberg Leon (Editor) Baron Benjamin page 131-2. 2. https://www.geni.com/people/Ben-Baron/4231514563360033684?through=6000000001242584524 3. Joseph Baron M.C. https://www.jwmww2.org/soldier.aspx?id=36180 4. The Baron Story South African Jewish Museum digital project archives.