The site of the cemetery was selected in 1943 at an early stage in the operations for the capture of Sicily.

In this cemetery most of the graves are those of men who lost their lives in the landings in Sicily on 10 July 1943, as part of the early stages of the campaign to capture the island (Operation Husky).

They include those of a considerable number who belonged to the airborne force that was landed immediately west of the town during the night 9–10 July.

There is one grave for a casualty from World War I, a merchant seaman who was originally buried in the Marsala British Cemetery.

In addition, three special memorials commemorate men known to have been originally buried in other cemeteries in the region, but whose graves could not be found on concentration.