In 1915, Harold Auten was one of the first officers selected for Q-Ship service, along with Gordon Campbell. As one of the pioneers, he helped develop the Q-Ship's designs and tactics. His third command, HMS Stock Force was involved in a fierce encounter with a U-boat off Start Point in July 1918. Although the submarine survived, the Q-ship did not, foundering on tow. For this action Auten was awarded the Victoria Cross. "Q-Boat Adventures" was the first book to be published about the Q-Ships and made Auten into a household name. The tales described therein remain as exciting today as in 1919 when the world first read of the brave exploits of the decoy ships.