The cemetery grounds were assigned to the United Kingdom in perpetuity by King Albert I of Belgium in recognition of the sacrifices made by the British Empire in the defence and liberation of Belgium during the war.

The city, which was destroyed over the course of the conflict, was a forward base for Commonwealth troops.

The extension was expanded by the concentration of graves from nearby small cemeteries and battlefield burials.

The sites are also used by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for its own permanent staff and their families, with alternative designs of headstones slightly set apart.

The cemetery and extension were designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.