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Terence Wise compiled the first edition of the Guide in 1969, intending that it be a useful reference for the historian, researcher and members of the general public. Circulars were sent to museum curators who wrote their own descriptions and entry in the guide has always been free.
At that time most museums other than National ones, were small regimental ones, with few staff or facilities available for the visitor. Our policy has been to give financial support to these museums by giving them a percentage of the profit in sales.
Since then there have been many changes on the military museum scene. Museums have been amalgamated, renamed etc to reflect the changes within the Services in recent times and a number have been established to cover civilian aspects of war.
The guide itself has changed over the years, aiming always to improve, expand and be as useful as possible. The current edition, the 10th, is an A5 booklet with a fold-flat wire binding containing a list of more than 370 museums, sites and collections. The entries appear under the names of the towns or nearest towns; each entry includes a brief summary of what can be seen on display, the facilities offered, admission prices and opening hours, phone and fax numbers, web site, addresses and directions on how to get there for the more rural locations. A comprehensive index lists the many Army units, naval ships and establishments, and RAF stations (squadrons appear under individual entries) covered by the museums.
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