Two WW I-burials in Plot F of the civilian part of the cemetery: two seamen of the H.M.S. Hughli died on 26 april 1919. One unknown, the other is 898718 Assistant Cook John Cain MMR. (Age 50 jaar). De Panne village was the site of the final General Headquarters in 1940, and there was a Casualty Clearing Station on the beach, which was an embarkation beach. From May 27th to June 1st 1940, the enemy strove to prevent the embarkation of the troops by incessant bombing, machine-gunning and shelling. The first Germans reached the village between 2 and 3 o' clock on May 31st, and after heavy fighting the commune was completely occupied by about 9 a.m. on June 1st.

The Commonwealth plot in the Communal Cemetery was specially constructed by the local authorities in August 1940, so that the Commonwealth graves might all be together. More than 200 of burials were moved by the Belgians into this plot, from other graves in the cemetery and from scattered graves on the beaches and roads of the commune. The remainder were casualties later washed ashore, airmen shot down by the enemy, and others who lost their lives at the time of the liberation.

There are now 2 Commonwealth burials of the 1914-18 war, 1 of which is unidentified and 259 of the 1939-1945 war, 79 of which are unidentified, commemorated in this site. 7 soldiers from the United Kingdom known to be buried among them but whose graves cannot now be identified are commemorated by special memorials inscribed "Buried near this spot". There are 22 Foreign National burials here, 4 of which are unidentified.

Burials (Commonwealth War Graves Commission):

• United Kingdom: 2 (+ 257 WW II)
• Canada : (2 WW II)
• Total Commonwealth: 2 (+ 259 WW II)
• Other Nationalities: (22 WW II)