The mayor of West Hartlepool from 1915 to 1917, Alderman Charles Macfarlane, introduced the idea of using land already designated for municipal buildings, previously "The Armoury Field", for a World War I memorial.
[7][8][9] The 66 feet (20 m) high obelisk monument made of grey Aberdeen granite and bronze sits on a pedestal.
Another wreath is situated near the bottom with the town coat of arms and the motto "E Mare ex Industria" ("Industry comes from the Sea").
The plinth, with cyma-moulding, sits on a 77 feet (23 m) wide, five terraced base; the five steps symbolise the number of years of World War I.
Coombs' design was apparently complete by 1921, when he died, and his plans were carried out by George Bennett Mitchell, Vice-President of the Institute of Scottish Architects.
[5] Located on the top of the obelisks' pedestal is the leading inscription "The Great War 1914–1919"[1] followed by the inscription derived from the King George V's message to the next of kin of the dead of the British Empire,In grateful remembrance of the men of this town who at their country's call left all that was dear to them to hazard their lives that others might live in freedom.
[15] The responsibility for maintenance and upkeep of the memorial resides with the Hartlepool Borough Council's Neighborhood Services department.