The town was in British occupation during practically the whole of the War. It was important as being (though sometimes bombed or bombarded at long range) the nearest place to ypres which was both considerable in size and reasonably safe. It was at first a Casualty Clearing Station centre, but in 1916 these units were moved further back and Field Ambulances took their place. Poperinge Communal Cemetery is a walled graveyard on the Reninghelst road, at the entrance to the town. It was used for British, French and Belgian military burials in October, 1914-March, 1915.
There are now over 20, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. They are in two rows, I B under the South wall, and II A under the North; I A contained the grave of an Officer reburied later in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery.
Burials (Commonwealth War Graves Commission):