Courtney first boarded the landing ship Glengall and returned with a gun cover and other evidence that showed how little notice a small craft could attract. Senior officers then challenged him to repeat the feat against a crew that knew he was coming. He reached the hull, chalked positions where limpet mines might have been placed, and even climbed an inviting rope before entering the captain's trap. Although he was caught, the demonstration proved the concept and secured twelve men and seven additional folding boats.
Notable Point · 9:50-12:04
The Glengall infiltration demonstration
When arguments for his unit failed, Courtney used a folding boat to demonstrate how a raider could reach and mark a ship in harbour.