[1][2] It commemorates Hartlepool military servicemen and civilians who lost their lives in both wars – with specific mention of the first British soldiers to have died on British soil during 16 December 1914 Raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby of World War I.

The unveiling program describes it as: "The winged figure of Triumphant Youth which crowns the column, symbolizes a spiritual freedom and regeneration which comes through pain and sacrifice."

[5] Funded by public subscription, the memorial was unveiled by John Lambton, 3rd Earl of Durham on 17 December 1921.

[5] On the back of the wall is a 2001 memorial to 240 "Citizens, Servicemen and Servicewomen of the Borough of Hartlepool / who gave their lives in conflict and War during the years from 1919 to 1967."

There are two bronze plaques each 1 foot 6 inches (0.46 m) x 2 feet (0.61 m) with the town badge of Hartlepool and the initials and surnames of the dead.