THE local matriarch of the Harris family has spoken with pride of the involvement of her nephew in the recent dramatic rescue of the soccer team trapped in a water-filled cave in Thailand.
Dr Richard “Harry” Harris played a pivotal part in the successful operation, much to the delight of Mary Harris, formerly of Millicent.
Ms Harris lived in Millicent for about 45 years from 1952 when her late husband Dr David Harris OAM was a renowned GP and community worker.
A resident of Robe for the past two decades, Ms Harris said the family was very close and would spend holidays together.
Ms Harris said she had spoken to the hero doctor at the private funeral of his father in Adelaide.
“Television crews had staked out his Adelaide home after his return from Thailand,” Ms Harris said.
“He had been on holidays when he got the call to take part in the rescue.
“It is remarkable that David’s father, uncle, brother and nephew were all doctors.”
Dr “Harry” Harris also has other links to the Millicent area.
He performed the sad task in 2011 of retrieving the body of a deceased diver from Tank Cave, midway between Millicent and Mount Gambier.
His friend Agnes Milowka had run out of air in the underwater cave, which is entered via a hole only 70m from the Princes Highway.
Dr Harris was among the expert cave divers who were summoned by police to assist in the recovery of her body.
Based in Adelaide, Dr Harris has more than 30 years of diving experience and has frequented the South East’s other caves.
Meanwhile, Dr Harris and eight other Australian members of the Thai rescue team have received honours presented by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Dr Harris was awarded the Star of Courage and joined his late Millicent uncle in becoming a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Sir Peter praised the nine rescuers at the investiture ceremony at Canberra.
“Of all the Australian values and human qualities we cherish, selflessness and courage stand in the front rank,” Sir Peter said.
“We see it often within our wider community, among our emergency services, among our military forces.
“Recognising it in this manner is part of our modern practice, part of our perpetual duty.
“We do so now, in the national capital, a few days after a globally known event at which our fellow Australians, along with Thai citizens and the men and women of other nations.”
Sir Peter said they conducted a thrilling rescue of helpless young men, themselves strong and brave, and in doing so captivated the world.
“To those recognised today, let me say that in gathering the information supporting this recognition, those who did the research reported two invariable elements of your responses.
“First, that others involved did wonderful work and also that you were not exceptional, you were just doing your bit.
“None of us will dispute the former.
“On the latter, we think that you were remarkable – skillful, tireless, compassionate and courageous.
“Your nation is so proud of you.
“Today, Australia salutes you.”
