Jack Chalmers

Who was Jack Chalmers?

John "Jack" Chalmers GC was a New Zealand-born Australian exchange recipient of the George Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry awarded to civilians or to military personnel for actions "not in the face of the enemy" in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. A member of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, Chalmers was awarded the Albert Medal in 1922 for his actions in rescuing a swimmer during a shark attack at Coogee Beach. With the establishment of the George Cross, the Albert Medal was discontinued and, in 1971, living recipients of the decoration were invited to exchange their medal for the George Cross; Chalmers took up the offer and formally became a recipient of the George Cross.