Clock Change Debate
- The document addresses the ongoing debate about whether the clocks on the Titanic were set back before the collision on April 14, 1912.
- Some crew members believed it was close to their watch time (midnight) when the collision occurred at 11:40 p.m. ship's time.
Run Time Analysis
- The key to resolving the clock change question is determining the run time from noon Sunday to the time of the accident.
- If the run time was 11 hours 40 minutes, no clock change occurred. If it was more than 12 hours, a clock change of 23-24 minutes had taken place.
Taffrail Log Data
- The analysis relies on taffrail log mileage data provided by quartermasters George Rowe and Robert Hichens.
- The taffrail log measures the distance travelled through the water, which is independent of the water's speed.
Speed and Distance Calculations
- Titanic was carrying about 75-76 revolutions per minute on her engines, maintaining a consistent speed through the water.
- Using the log data, the document calculates the run time from noon to the collision as approximately 11 hours 33 minutes, suggesting no clock change.
Error Analysis
- The document considers potential errors in log mileage and time intervals, concluding that the derived run time falls within acceptable limits.
- A run time of 11 hours 40 minutes aligns with the reported log mileage and engine revolutions, supporting the no-clock change theory.
Conclusion
- The analysis indicates that a 24-minute clock adjustment before the accident is unlikely, as it does not match the detailed applied analysis.
- The ship's performance and speed through the water remained consistent, further supporting the conclusion that no clock change occurred.
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