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TIME and the AZW
Paul Lamberth


Joined: 03 Sep 2005
Posts: 37
Location: Rorke's Drift KZN South Africa
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I have often wondered if historians adjust time from records?
South African Standard time was only introduced in 1907 and based on the 30 parallel (Weenen KZN) and Greenwich GMT +2. ("This way trains could run on time?"�one of the motivations used in parliament to establish standard time)
Prior to SAST a float (sphere) signal and cannon shot was used in Cape Town for ships to synchronize/correct or adjust time (Royal Observatory). There is approximately 45 minutes difference between "Cape Town" time and SAST. That is if one uses the sun dial at the Botanical (Company) Gardens in Cape Town add +- 45 minutes to get SAST
One is reminded that time is important for navigational purposes.
What standard of time would have been used by the military during the AZW campaign?
Who would have been responsible for time keeping for the 3rd column?
Do we adjust (correct) events of the day?
Or, do we just take in the difference between a standard then and adjust to the standard now?

Example: 22 January 1879: Sunrise: 04h50m 113� ESE
and set at 18h28m 247� WSW
The annual partial solar eclipse based on SAST started at 12h39m, reached a maximum at 14h05 (+-35% cover, Isandlwana co ordinates) and ended at 15h21m duration +-2.7 hours (Info calculated by CalSKY, Switzerland)

I am amazed that the eclipse was not reported or observed as such (exception: trooper Symons and a Zulu?)
What about the lads at the mission? Surely they should have noticed something?

Paul
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Keith Smith


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 540
Location: Northern NSW, Australia
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Paul

The matter is quite complex, as you infer in your post. If you are interested, see my article 'A Question of Time', Soldiers of the Queen,No. 118, September 2004. This covers the matter in some detail, including the local time at Isandlwana on 22nd January 1879.
KIS
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Paul Lamberth


Joined: 03 Sep 2005
Posts: 37
Location: Rorke's Drift KZN South Africa
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Keith

Thanks...how/where can I get hold of the article mentioned?

Paul
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Keith Smith


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 540
Location: Northern NSW, Australia
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Paul

I've left you a private mail item

KIS
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Dawn


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 610
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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Keith
Would you mind sending me one too?

Dawn
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Alan
Site Admin

Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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Keith,
we could put the article in the Pot Pourri section if you are willing.

Alan
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TIME and the AZW
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