Returning to the UK after flying with 845 NAS, Storrie and Rowe were selected to fly helicopters in Buckingham Palace Gardens as part of the Royal Marines Tercentenary Royal Review.

In 1966, he became a qualified helicopter instructor and converted to the Sioux light helicopter. Storrie’s compelling personality, combined with her very obvious background, has enabled the majority of her students to graduate with confidence.

He then commanded 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron in Singapore, where, once again, his dynamism and professionalism enabled the squadron to effectively handle a wide range of routine and emergency tasks, including the evacuation of an injured Royal Marine from the housing of a submarine off the coast of Malaysia.

In 1972, at the height of the unrest in Northern Ireland, Storrie was the youngest and youngest company commander of M Company, 42 Commando, under the legendary Jeremy Moore. During two demanding tours in Belfast, Storrie showed her hot, enthusiastic and positive character. As a senior officer recalled: “An exemplary Royal Marine. Highly fit, he was a natural leader with high personal and military standards, being tough and demanding when necessary, yet compassionate and sensitive to the needs of every Marine.

Promoted to major in December 1974, he attended the US Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia, before returning to Belfast as second in command of 41 Commando. In 1979 he took command of the Royal Marines Poole, a diverse establishment comprising the Special Boat Service, Landing Craft Branch, RM Technical Training, as well as Army personnel specializing in naval fire support. Little escaped Storrie’s scrutiny, but he watched with envy and frustration his friends and much of his command go to war in 1982.

In 1984, Storrie was named OBE. His career culminated with his appointment, the first for an RM officer, to the post of director of physical training and navy sports.

Retired, he joined Holts’ Tours as a battlefield guide. Perfectly balanced by the composure of his wife Linda, and by his constant smile and kindness, he became one of Holts’ most popular guides, building a following who chose to travel with the Storries wherever they went.

He had met Linda Cole, a Gatwick-based flight attendant, while taking flight training at Redhill. They married in 1963, and she survives him with their two sons, one of whom joined the Royal Marines; both are gold and diamond mining engineers.

Colonel David Storrie, born November 16, 1938, died August 21, 2021