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.
[4] During this time, Chalmers married Jessie Alice Courtenay at the register office, Dorset, on 30 July 1917; the pair were later to have a son and a daughter.
[1][2] Chalmers actions during the incident were widely publicised in the media, with The Sydney Mail describing the rescue as "one of the most glorious deeds of gallantry ever recorded in Australia".
His Majesty The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Decoration of the Albert Medal upon Jack Chalmers, of Sydney, New South Wales.
The following, is an account of the services in respect of which the Decoration has been conferred: — On the 4th February, 1922, Milton Coughlan was swimming just outside the breakers at Coogee Beach, Sydney, N.S.
The injured bather's arms were practically bitten through and the flesh torn from them, and the unfortunate man succumbed to his injuries shortly after reaching hospital.
[1] In 1971, owing to the decline in status and significance of the Albert Medal, the British Government announced that the decoration would be abolished and living recipients would henceforth be regarded as holders of the George Cross.
[9] All six Australian Albert Medal recipients living at the time opted to accept the offer, Chalmers and four others travelling to London to receive their awards.
[Note 1] The five men, Stanley Gibbs, Robert Kavanaugh, William McAloney, Dick Richards and Chalmers, were presented with their George Crosses by Queen Elizabeth II in an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 12 July 1972.