The Tower Hill Memorial is divided in two sections. The front section is dedicated to those who died during World War I between 1914 to 1918. The larger section which approximates a circle is dedicated to those who died during World War II between 1939 to 1945. It is specifically for the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet members who died at sea and have no known grave. A large inscription at the front of the World War II section reads: "The Twenty Four Thousand of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets whose names are honoured on the walls of this garden gave their lives for their country and have no grave but the sea." There are also two small plaques, one in each section, which describes the layout of the memorial:

1914 – 1918
The names of the dead are to be found under the names of the ships in which they were serving. The ships of the Merchant Navy are in alphabetical order, followed by those of the Fishing Fleet similarly arranged. The ships of the Merchant Navy begin at the point indicated on the plan by "A" and continue, as shown by the arrows, to "B" and from "C" to D". The vessels of the Fishing Fleets are set out in the same manner from "E" to F".

1939 – 1945
The names of the dead are to be found under the names of the ships in which they were serving. The ships of the Merchant Navy are arranged in alphabetical order on panels 1 to 121 and panels 130 to 132. Panel 122 bears the names of the men of the Lighthouse and Pilotage Services. Vessels of the Fishing Fleets appear on panels 123 to 129.

If visitors have difficulty in finding a name, they are advised to consult the Registers containing lists in alphabetical order of all those commemorated on this memorial at the office of the Corporation of Trinity House in this Square, (Side entrance Cooper's Row) or contact the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Jenton Road, Sydenham, Leamington Spa, Warwickwhire, CV31 1XS. Telephone 01926 330137.