Elias Zacks

Elias Zacks (18 August 1907 Laingsburg, South Africa - 7 August 1993 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) was the son of Samuel Moses Zacks (1869-1940) and Esther Zacks born Praede (1879-1931). He was educated at Laingsburg High School and Cape Town High School. He married Millicent Ida Cohn (1912-1995) on the 29 March 1932. They had two daughters and the family lived in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He was the Managing Director of Bulawayo Commercial Undertaking.
During World War Two he served with the Southern Rhodesian Forces from the 3 September 1939 for 73 months. He was a Major in the 2nd Battalion, Royal West African Frontier Forces. He was awarded the Military Cross. His citation reads: "Unit 1 G.C.R. Lieutenant Zacks, Elias. For Conspicuous Gallantry in action. Lieut. Zacks on 4th May led two companies through difficult country. On finding a strong enemy post, he without hesitation, led a charge, killing several of the enemy and capturing the Machine Gun. The position was immediately counterattacked from the flank but Lieut. Zacks beat off this attack by throwing grenades. He was an inspiring example to his men."

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) Zacks Elias page 353.
2. The National Archives, Kew. Name Zacks, Elias: Rank Lieutenant; Regiment 1 Gold Coast Regiment; Theatre of Combat or Operation: Middle East: East Africa and Madagascar; Award Military Cross; Date of announcement in the London Gazette 30 December 1941: Reference WO 373/29/250.
3. https://www.jewishgen.org/databases/cemetery/jowbr.php?rec=J_ZIMBABWE_0002582.