In 1916 an area was dedicated to soldiers who died serving in World War I, when 296 Commonwealth service personnel were buried in the cemetery.

Those whose graves could not be marked by headstones are listed on Screen Wall memorial in Plot H.[3] Many of the United States Army personnel killed in the sinking of HMS Otranto in 1918 were buried in the graveyard.

[3] As the frequent target of vandalism, many of the British Army soldiers' headstones were moved to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park.

In 2012, continuing vandalism of the World War I Screen Wall has led to proposals to move it to another part of the cemetery.

[4] Due to its historical importance, the cemetery is a popular tourist attraction in Belfast, with guided tours available.