Western European Time - Historical Uses

Historical Uses

A slight variation of this time zone, based until 1911 on the Paris Meridian, was used in:

• Andorra in years 1901-46
• Belgium in years 1892-1914 and 1919–1940
• France in years 1911-40 and 1944–45
• Gibraltar in years 1880-1957
• Luxembourg in years 1918-40
• Monaco in years 1911-45

Until the Second World War France used WET. However, the German occupation switched France to German time, and it has remained in CET since then. Other occupied territories Belgium and the Netherlands did the same, while Spain also switched to CET under the order of Francisco Franco.

In the United Kingdom in years 1940-45 British Summer Time (BST=CET) was used in winters and in years 1941-45 & 1947 British Double Summer Time (BDST=CEST) was used in summers. Between 18 February 1968 and 31 October 1971 BST was used all year round.

In Ireland in years 1940-46 Irish Summer Time (IST=CET) was used all year (Ireland did not adopt similar time changes to British Double Summer Time (BDST=CEST) in 1941-45, 1947). Between 18 February 1968 and 31 October 1971 Irish Standard Time was used all year round.

In Portugal, CET was used in the periods 1966-1976 and 1992-1996.