Frederick G. Burnaby was a well known military figure and local politician, who stood as a conservative candidate for Birmingham in 1880. He is known for the written accounts of his travels, and particularly 'A Ride to Khiva', the publication of which led to his meeting Queen Victoria. He was also one of the founders of the political society magazine 'Vanity Fair'. Burnaby was killed in action at the Battle of Abu Klea, Sudan on 16 January 1885. This memorial obelisk in Birmingham is mounted on a pedestal and double-stepped base. On the south side of the monument is a three-quarter relief portrait of Burnaby in uniform, with inscriptions indicating the dates of his military campaigns. Directly above the portrait, at the base of the obelisk above the cornice that divides the monument, the stone is carved to portray military regalia including a breast plate and helmet, serving as a direct reference to Burnaby's military career.