What does "two bells" mean with regard to the time?

Answer by  patti (29325)

"Bells" refers to the ringing of bells to announce the passing of time during a watch on a ship or boat. Bells were rung to mark each half-hour; "two bells" meant one hour had passed. It is a rather involved system that you can read about online.

Answer by  GilFinn (2065)

It was a way for the Navy to track of time before clocks were available. Using an hourglass, every half hour was marked by one ring of the bell. One hour, 2 rings continuing up to 8 bells at the end of 4 hours. 2 bells would be 1,5,9 O'clock.