For decades, successive generations of coach drivers have been as much to blame as anyone for perpetuating a persistent myth about Lake George. The tale, often recounted as buses descend through Gearys Gap and the vast expanse of the lake comes into view, claims that a platoon of Duntroon cadets drowned in the lake many years ago and that their bodies were never retrieved.
The Myth's Origins and Persistence
According to local historians, there is no evidence to support the story of Duntroon cadets drowning in Lake George. Despite this, the narrative has been passed down from driver to driver, becoming a staple of bus tours through the region. The myth likely originated from the lake's eerie reputation and the mysterious disappearance of a few individuals over the years, but no mass drowning of cadets has ever been recorded.
One former coach driver, who wished to remain anonymous, admitted, 'I've told that story hundreds of times myself. It's just something you hear and repeat. I never bothered to check if it was true.'
Impact on Local Folklore
The persistence of this myth has shaped local folklore, with many residents and visitors accepting it as fact. However, historians and local authorities have repeatedly debunked the claim. The Royal Military College, Duntroon, has no records of such an incident, and searches of historical archives have yielded no evidence.
'It's a classic example of an urban legend,' said Dr. Emily Watson, a historian at the Australian National University. 'The story has been repeated so often that people assume it must be true, but there is simply no factual basis for it.'
The Role of Coach Drivers
Coach drivers, often seeking to entertain passengers with local stories, have been key in spreading the myth. The dramatic setting of Gearys Gap, with the lake spreading out below, provides a perfect backdrop for the tale. However, some drivers are now questioning the accuracy of the story and choosing to omit it from their commentary.
'I stopped telling that story a few years ago after a passenger corrected me,' said another driver. 'Now I stick to verified facts about the lake's history and ecology.'
Lake George itself is a unique natural feature, known for its fluctuating water levels and occasional dry periods. The myth of the drowned cadets adds to its mystique, but locals hope that future generations will focus on the lake's real history rather than perpetuating falsehoods.
