Margaret has published two books on World War I, with the second book, Carmichael's 1000, published in November 2014.

Carmichael's 1000 details the triumphs and trials of the 36th Battalion which fought in WWI, told through the stories and photographs of the soldiers who served.

The 36th Battalion first entered the war in November 1916, with Margaret explaining that the newly joined soldiers were aware of the horrific casualties occurring abroad.

"They knew this was no picnic, no adventure," she said.

"They knew they were going into extreme danger."

The battalion was disbanded in April 1918 due to their dwindling numbers and the remaining soldiers rejoined other Australian battalions to continue fighting.

For Margaret the book writing process, which took about three years, was often emotionally testing.

"It's really heart-wrenching when you read these journals and you get quite attached, then you turn the page and it's blank and you know they're dead," she said.

The 36th Battalion was made up primarily of men from Newcastle and Sydney, with several Manning Valley men joining the cause as well.

Robert Breese, Walter Hoad and Robert Gibson were local men who participated in a number of engagements across France and Belgium.

This included the 36th's greatest victory, when the battalion halted a German breakthrough at Villers Brettoneux. 

For Margaret, the book was about giving voice to a battalion which fought in some of the worst conditions of the war.

"It's about giving recognition to a battalion who fought and fought well," she said.

"It's important we remember these men and their commitment to their country."

Copies of Carmichael's 1000 can be purchased online or at Wingham Museum.