The memorial is situated in the Morrab Gardens close to the Morrab Library. The statue of a soldier with his rifle reversed is lifesize and stands 5' 10''. It is of Sicilian marble and the pedestal is of dressed and polished granite supplied by Messrs Pascoe of 65 Causewayhead, Penzance. The statue was unveiled on the 5th November 1904 by the Mayoress of Penzance, Mrs Banfield, in front of a large crowd. On parade was the 7th Company of the 1st Duke of Cornwall's Royal Garrison Artillery and their band together with A Company of the 1st Volunteer Brigade Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry with their band and bugles. The Freedom of the Borough, plus a silver casket, was given to those from the town who had volunteered for active service.

In September 1996 the statue was re-erected following serious damage by vandals. However the enfield rifle could not be saved and is new.

The biographical details for the Penzance area covering from the Second Boer War to the present day have been researched and all less about 15 have been identified and are held by Major Robert Harrison.