orleans, ma

100 years ago today a German U boat attacked a tugboat and its four barges just off Nauset Beach in Orleans (Cape Cod), making Orleans the only US town to be hit by enemy fire in WWI. Planes despatched from nearby Chatham airport eventually scared the submarine away and the crew of the tugboat were all rescued safely - including the Captain's 11 year old son (defiantly waving his US flag) and the family dog.