During the first World War numerous humans already lost their lifes by the fights in the "Memelgebiet". About 100 soldiers got their last resting place at this site in 1915. Memel's citizens donated the money for a rearrangement in the thirties. With the beginning of the second World War the cemetery was enlarged. Until 1945 about 1 300 victims were buried additional. Most soldiers died during the retreat fights in fall 1944.