How five Duntroon cadets were lost to the icy depths of Lake George
Introduction to the Myth of Lake George
The legend of a boatload of Duntroon cadets going missing in Lake George has been a longstanding myth in the Canberra region. This story has been passed down through generations, with many believing that the bodies of the cadets were never recovered. However, the truth behind this myth is more complex and intriguing.
The Origins of the Myth
The myth of the missing Duntroon cadets has been perpetuated by successive generations of coach drivers who have shared the story with passengers traveling through Gearys Gap. The story goes that a platoon of cadets drowned in Lake George, and their bodies were never retrieved. However, the actual events that occurred on July 8, 1956, are far more nuanced.
The Tragic Events of July 8, 1956
On that fateful day, a party of eight cadets from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, was driven to Lake George to carry out maintenance on boats and the college’s lakeside boathouse. Two cadets, Ian Colquhoun and Brian Jorgensen, launched a two-person VJ sailing dinghy, but their boat capsized in the icy waters. A series of rescue attempts were made, but unfortunately, five cadets lost their lives in the tragedy.
The Investigation and Aftermath
The coroner’s inquest into the deaths of the five cadets ruled that the combination of extreme cold, strong winds, and the hazards of the lake contributed to the tragedy. The bodies of the cadets were eventually recovered, with the last body being found on September 13, 1956. The delay in finding the bodies and the headlines in the newspapers at the time helped to fuel the myth that the bodies were never recovered.
The Legacy of the Tragedy
The loss of the five Duntroon cadets had a profound impact on the Royal Military College and the community. A memorial service was held, and a plaque was erected at the college to commemorate the victims. The tragedy also led to changes in the college’s safety protocols and the eventual closure of its Lake George sailing club.
Uncovering the Truth
Despite the myth surrounding the events of July 8, 1956, the truth is that the bodies of the five cadets were recovered, and their deaths were the result of a tragic series of events. The story of the Duntroon cadets serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information and not perpetuating myths and legends.
Lake George: A Hazardous Beauty
Lake George is a beautiful but hazardous place, with submerged fences and strong winds posing a significant risk to those who venture onto its waters. The story of the Duntroon cadets is a sobering reminder of the importance of respecting the power of nature and taking necessary safety precautions.
The Lake and the Legacy
The tragedy of the Duntroon cadets has left a lasting legacy at the Royal Military College and in the community. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of safety, respect for nature, and the need to verify information to avoid perpetuating myths and legends. Source: WorldNewsAPI | Read original