(Volume XII). The last volume written by Bean, Volume VI, appeared in 1942. Its final paragraph recorded: "What these men did nothing can alter now. The good and the bad, the greatness and smallness of their story will stand. Whatever of glory it contains nothing now can lessen. It rises, as it will always rise, above the mists of ages, a monument to great-hearted men; and, for their nation, a possession for ever." In Stanley’s view Bean’s history is neither definitive nor flawless noting that he tended to lionise those whom he admired and to omit what he found uncomfortable. Grey further noted in “Bean and official history” that the history’s "strengths are those of Bean the journalist; so are its weaknesses. His focus on the tactical level and front line experiences of the men meant there was little or nothing on training, doctrine, logistics, organisation or administration – all the things that make modern armies functional and successful armies victorious." Bean had earlier conceded that “no technical histories were undertaken under the scheme drafted by me” and that the “Editor and writers had to decide with what general aims we should write. No history can tell the reader everything about its subject." According to Pegram, historians generally agree that Bean’s belief in rural virtues does not adequately explain how the AIF transformed from an organisation of neophytes in 1914 to the effective fighting force that contributed to Germany’s defeat in 1918. Nevertheless, Stanley maintained that while later studies have elaborated, revised and challenged many aspects of it, the Official History retains its integrity as the single greatest source of interpretation of Australia’s part in the First World War. Bean also contributed the Australian section to volume three of Sir Charles Lucas' The Empire at War, Oxford, 1924. Australian War Memorial Bean's idea was to create a national memorial where families and friends could grieve for those buried in places far away, as well as being a place that would contribute to an understanding of war itself. Accordingly, the style of the AWM reflects Bean's desire for the building to at once be museum, monument, memorial, temple and shrine to Australians who lost their lives and suffered as a result of war. Bean's vision for the AWM appears on the wall inside its front doors: "Here is their spirit, in the heart of the land they loved; and here we