Donald Harry Sadler (22 August 1908 – 24 October 1987) was an English astronomer and mathematician
who developed an international reputation for his work in preparing
astronomical and navigational almanacs. He worked as the
Superintendent of His Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office
from 1937 to 1971.
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Early life
Donald Sadler was born in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, on 22 August 1908. He
attended the local grammar school where he excelled in mathematics.
He studied mathematics at the University of Cambridge and received a
first-class degree in 1929.
Sadler developed an interest in celestial mechanics during his studies
at Cambridge. He contributed to the work of the Computing Section of the
British Astronomical Association.
The Nautical Almanac Office
Sadler began work as an assistant at
His Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office in 1930,
working under the direction of the
Superintendent,
Leslie Comrie, when it was based at the Royal Naval College
in Greenwich, London. Sadler was promoted to Deputy Superintendent of the Office
in 1933.
Comrie left the Nautical Almanac Office in 1936. A decision was taken to
move the Office to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, placing it under
the direction of the Astronomer Royal, and Sadler was appointed a
Chief Assistant at the observatory. Sadler was appointed Comrie's successor as
Superintendent of the Nautical Almanac Office in 1937. Sadler was the eighth
person to occupy this post since it was created in 1818.
Sadler took on the task of consolidating projects begun by Comrie,
publishing new tables for use in navigation.
The Second World War soon intervened and the Nautical Almanac Office
was moved temporarily out of London to the safer environment of Bath.
Scientific societies
Donald Sadler became a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in
1931, and served on the society's council. He acted as a secretary
between 1939 and 1947, contributing to sustaining the society's
work during the war. He served as the society's
president from 1967
to 1969.
Sadler contributed to other scientific societies, including the
Royal Institute of Navigation, of which he was president from 1953 to 1955. He served as general secretary of the International Astronomical Union (1958–1964), then as vice-president, and president (1968–1970) of the Council of the Federation of Astronomical and Geophysical Services.
In 1981, Sadler became a founding member of the World Cultural Council.
Later life
Donald Sadler retired as Superintendent of the Nautical Almanac Office in
1971. He continued working at the office for a further year, retiring in
February 1972. Sadler continued with his activities in the
Royal Institute of Navigation.
Donald Sadler died at Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, on 24 October 1987.