The David Chalk Collection

This remarkable specialist collection was compiled by the late David Chalk. It comprises more than 300 items specifically relating to World War I, including books, clothing, medals, military and personal equipment, interview transcriptions and portraits of the ANZACs. The collection includes such treasures as a prisoner-of-war uniform issued to prisoners when captured by the German Army and a gas helmet, called a P helmet, worn by Australian soldiers during the war to protect against phosgene-chlorine gas attacks.

David Chalk (1953-2002) became interested in World War I through his grandfather’s story. Ernest Chalk was a returned ANZAC and prisoner of war who died in 1964. His brother, Richard, also fought in the war but was killed in action in May 1917. The Chalk family has a long farming and civic association with Burnie.

This collection is currently not on display.