Inspired by his own “Farage’s Forages” tours in the 1980s, the Clacton MP was beaming with delight at how his own staffers had found themselves engrossed in their personal family history.

“I find the individual stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things and finding themselves in remarkable positions,” Mr Farage said in the documentary’s opening sequence.

And those ordinary people are very much the stars of this film.

Mr Farage, who appears as an enthusiastic and occasionally mischievous tour guide, brings the forgotten men of the First World War back to life with a passion that is difficult to disguise.

But the Reform UK leader was ready to relax as guests arrived at a swanky Knightsbridge hotel for the first showing itself.

While journalists tucked into popcorn supplied at the doors, Mr Farage was enjoying a gin and tonic.

Among those attending were fellow Great War aficionado Lord Ashcroft, Made in Chelsea’s Olivia Bentley, and Reform UK MPs Danny Kruger and Andrew Rosindell.

But it was the documentary, rather than the glamorous guest list, which provided the evening’s real talking points.

For a politician whose career has been defined by confrontation, this is a rather different side to Mr Farage.

There are no political opponents to attack, no Brussels bureaucrats to blame and no rallying cry to deliver.

The Clacton MP was telling the stories of the men who fought and died in the Great War.

And, whether you agree with his politics or not, it is difficult to question his enthusiasm.

“I do actually care hugely about this country,” he said after the film ended.

“My motivations for policies are not about rank, title, position or ambition.

“I care about this country, its history, its heritage, its people, its sacrifice, all that we did.”

But viewers could not escape Mr Farage’s own style and humour.

The Reform UK leader, dressed in a quintessentially Farage touring outfit, made the audience roar with laughter after explaining that French soldiers had a daily two-litre wine allocation.

Nigel Farage’s Heartfelt WW1 Film Shows What the Reform UK Leader Really Cares About

Nigel Farage has revealed a different side of his personality through a new documentary about the First World War, demonstrating a personal interest in Britain’s military history that goes beyond his usual political activities. The Reform UK leader’s 42-minute film, entitled We Will Remember Them, explores the courage, suffering and sacrifices of ordinary British soldiers who fought during the Great War.

Released around Remembrance Sunday in November 2026, the documentary has attracted attention because it offers a more personal perspective on a politician whose public career has largely been associated with Brexit, immigration and challenges to Britain’s political establishment.

Rather than concentrating on contemporary political arguments, Farage takes viewers on a journey through important First World War battlefields, discussing the experiences of soldiers and the historical decisions that shaped the conflict.

The documentary also raises controversial historical questions, particularly whether the First World War ended too early and whether a different outcome could have prevented the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of the Second World War.

For Farage, however, the central message is about remembering ordinary people whose sacrifices helped shape modern Britain.

A Personal Passion for the First World War

Farage’s interest in the First World War is not entirely new. He has previously spoken about his fascination with military history and his visits to important battlefields in France and Belgium.

According to reports surrounding the documentary, he has been leading tours of the Somme and Ypres since his twenties. These experiences have helped develop his interest in the individual stories of soldiers who experienced the horrors of trench warfare.

One particularly personal connection concerns his paternal grandfather, Harry, whose First World War military records Farage researched through historical archives at Kew.

This family connection appears to have strengthened his desire to understand the experiences of previous generations.

In the documentary, Farage explains his fascination with ordinary individuals who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Rather than focusing exclusively on famous generals and political leaders, he wants to highlight the lives of soldiers whose names might otherwise disappear from public memory.

This approach gives the documentary a more human dimension.

The First World War was not simply a confrontation between powerful nations. It was also a tragedy experienced by millions of ordinary families. Young men left their homes, joined the military and travelled across Europe, often without knowing whether they would ever return.

Many died in battle, while others suffered permanent injuries or psychological trauma.

By highlighting these individual experiences, Farage attempts to remind modern audiences that the history of war should be understood through the lives of the people who experienced it.

The Controversial ‘Six Weeks Too Early’ Theory

One of the most controversial arguments explored in Farage’s documentary concerns the signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918.

Farage believes that the First World War ended approximately six weeks too early and that the Allied forces should have continued fighting until German military forces had been decisively defeated.

His argument draws on warnings attributed to American General John Pershing, who reportedly believed that the Allies should continue their military campaign rather than accept an armistice at that particular moment.

Farage suggests that forcing German forces further back, potentially across the Rhine, could have prevented the later emergence of the myth that the German army had not truly been defeated.

This interpretation is connected to the so-called stab-in-the-back myth, a false political narrative promoted by German nationalists after the First World War. It claimed that Germany’s military had not been defeated on the battlefield but had instead been betrayed by politicians and other groups at home.

The myth subsequently became an important element of extremist nationalist propaganda and was exploited by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi movement.

Farage argues that a more decisive Allied victory might have prevented this narrative from gaining political influence and potentially changed the course of European history.

However, this remains a historical counterfactual rather than an established conclusion. Historians continue to debate the reasons for the rise of Nazism, and there is no certainty that continuing the First World War for another six weeks would have prevented the Second World War.

Nevertheless, the argument raises an important question about the consequences of the decisions made by political and military leaders at the end of the Great War.

The Human Cost of Continuing the War

Farage’s theory also acknowledges an extremely difficult reality: continuing the conflict would have meant further deaths among British and Allied soldiers.

The final weeks of the First World War remained exceptionally dangerous. According to the figures discussed in reports about the documentary, British forces were suffering approximately 1,000 deaths per day during this period.

Farage therefore recognises the enormous human cost associated with his argument.

The decision to continue fighting might have produced a more decisive military outcome, but it would also have required thousands of additional families to endure the loss of their loved ones.

This creates a difficult moral and historical question: should military leaders have accepted an armistice that stopped the immediate slaughter, or continued fighting in the hope of creating a more stable peace?

There is no simple answer.

The Armistice saved lives by ending the fighting, but the political settlement that followed failed to establish lasting stability in Europe.

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in June 1919, imposed significant military, territorial and financial conditions on Germany. These provisions contributed to resentment and political instability, although they were not the only causes of the rise of Nazism.

Farage’s documentary encourages viewers to reconsider these historical events and the long-term consequences of decisions made more than a century ago.

Remembering the Forgotten Soldiers

Another important aspect of the documentary concerns soldiers whose experiences have received relatively little attention in popular accounts of the First World War.

Farage discusses British prisoners of war who were captured by German forces and subjected to extremely difficult conditions.

He has highlighted the suffering of approximately 21,000 British soldiers who died in German captivity during the conflict. Many prisoners endured starvation, forced labour and harsh conditions in mines, quarries and factories.

He also examines the treatment of British soldiers who were executed for military offences after being accused of desertion or cowardice.

Some of these men had experienced shell shock, a condition now understood as closely related to psychological trauma associated with combat.

At the time, however, military authorities did not fully understand the psychological consequences of prolonged exposure to warfare.

Thousands of soldiers also faced imprisonment for conscientious objection, having refused military service because of their religious, moral or political beliefs.

These stories demonstrate the complexity of wartime experiences. Not every individual who suffered during the conflict was recognised as a hero, and some were treated harshly by the institutions they had served.

By discussing these subjects, Farage seeks to present a broader picture of the First World War, including experiences that are sometimes overlooked during traditional commemorations.

Why Remembrance Sunday Matters to Farage

The release of the documentary is particularly significant because Farage is preparing to attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in London as the representative of Reform UK.

He has described the opportunity as a personal honour, expressing his desire to pay tribute to Britain’s fallen soldiers.

His previous absence from the ceremony had attracted political attention, particularly because Reform UK had become an increasingly prominent political party.

Farage has previously challenged the arrangements surrounding political representation at national remembrance events. His attendance this year therefore represents an important moment for the party.

However, he has emphasised that the occasion should be about remembering those who sacrificed their lives rather than promoting political divisions.

He has also suggested that the stories explored in his documentary could help bring modern Britain together by encouraging people to recognise their shared history.

This message is particularly relevant in a country where political disagreements over Brexit, immigration, national identity and economic policy have created considerable divisions.

Remembrance Sunday provides an opportunity for people with different political beliefs and backgrounds to come together in recognition of a common historical experience.

For Farage, the sacrifices of previous generations should provide a source of national unity.

What Does the Documentary Reveal About Farage?

For much of his political career, Farage has been associated with controversial debates about Britain’s relationship with Europe, immigration and national sovereignty.

His political identity has largely been shaped by his campaign to leave the European Union and his criticism of successive governments.

Consequently, the documentary presents a different aspect of his public personality.

It reveals his enthusiasm for military history, his interest in family heritage and his belief that national identity is closely connected to understanding the experiences of previous generations.

This does not mean that the documentary should automatically be interpreted as evidence of his political motivations or personal character. Rather, it provides an opportunity for audiences to see the subjects that he chooses to discuss outside the usual political environment.

His decision to focus on ordinary soldiers is particularly interesting.

Political leaders are frequently remembered through their speeches, policies and electoral achievements. However, Farage’s documentary attempts to shift attention towards individuals whose lives were shaped by historical events beyond their control.

He also plans to write a book and undertake a speaking tour after leaving politics to develop his argument about the end of the First World War.

This suggests that military history may remain an important personal interest for him beyond his current political career.

The Importance of Teaching Britain’s Military History

The documentary also contributes to a wider discussion about how British history should be taught to younger generations.

Farage has argued that schools should provide a fuller understanding of both world wars and Britain’s role in these conflicts.

There is considerable educational value in studying the First World War because it helps students understand the origins of modern European politics, the development of international relations and the consequences of nationalism and militarism.

Students should also learn about the experiences of ordinary soldiers, the contribution of Commonwealth forces and the suffering experienced by civilian populations.

Importantly, teaching military history should involve examining different interpretations and historical evidence rather than simply celebrating military victories.

Understanding the First World War requires examining both the courage of those who served and the political failures that contributed to the conflict.

It also means recognising that remembrance should include people from different backgrounds whose contributions helped shape Britain’s history.

Conclusion: Remembering Those Who Shaped Britain’s History

Nigel Farage’s documentary We Will Remember Them offers a different perspective on the Reform UK leader by highlighting his longstanding interest in the First World War and the experiences of ordinary British soldiers.

Through visits to historic battlefields, personal family research and discussions about controversial historical decisions, Farage seeks to bring forgotten stories back into public attention.

His argument that the First World War ended six weeks too early is controversial and remains a matter of historical debate. Nevertheless, the documentary raises important questions about the Armistice, the Treaty of Versailles and the political consequences of the peace settlement.

More importantly, it reminds viewers that the history of war cannot be separated from the lives of the individuals who experienced it.

Thousands of families lost fathers, sons and brothers. Many survivors returned home with physical injuries and psychological trauma, while others remained prisoners or struggled to rebuild their lives.

Their experiences deserve to be remembered with dignity and honesty.

Ultimately, the documentary’s central message extends beyond Farage’s political identity. It is about the importance of preserving Britain’s collective memory and ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made by those who came before them.

As Remembrance Sunday approaches, the film provides a timely reminder that remembering the fallen should not be limited to one ceremony or one day of the year.

A nation’s gratitude should be reflected in its willingness to preserve history, honour those who served and teach future generations about the human cost of war.

As Farage’s documentary suggests, the stories of ordinary people can sometimes reveal more about a country’s history than the decisions of its most powerful leaders.

But Mr Farage’s visits to war graves across France and Belgium were also deeply personal.

He visited the site where his grandfather, Harry Farage, was wounded, paying his respects to the men who died in the same battle.

“For me, as somebody who’s cared about this stuff, and lectured on this stuff, and I still collect stuff, to me, it’s a big subject,” he said.

But it is not just his own family which has been drawn into the project. It is the psyche of the nation.

“There is not a single one of us with British heritage that has not got an extraordinary link to these events,” Mr Farage said.

Indeed, during the making of the documentary, members of his own team discovered extraordinary connections to the conflict.

Mr Farage revealed that one staff member’s great-grandfather was buried at Tyne Cot, while another uncovered two great-great-uncles who had been killed in the Great War.

It was a discovery which reinforced the documentary’s central message: these events are not some distant chapter belonging to politicians, generals or historians. They are woven into the family histories of millions of ordinary Britons.

Among the men whose stories particularly fascinate him was someone he was first introduced to at the age of ten at Dulwich College.

Stewart Walter Loudoun-Shand, who like Mr Farage was an Old Alleynian, was awarded the Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery.

He was mortally wounded on the opening day of the Somme in July 1916 but continued encouraging his men despite his injuries.

Mr Farage also reflected on Valentine Strudwick, just 15 when he was killed in action, and Henry Webber, who died aged 68.

The film also explored difficult questions, including the 18,000 conscientious objectors imprisoned during the conflict.

Perhaps the most revealing moment comes when Mr Farage imagines himself as a 19-year-old second lieutenant.

He said: “Imagine, if I’d have been 19, a young second lieutenant, what on earth would I have done, how would I have coped, would I have been up to it? I don’t think you can come here without asking yourself that question.”

In a rare moment, the Reform UK leader’s eyes appear to well up as he considers the prospect, in a striking departure from the hard-hitting political operator who has graced television screens for almost three decades.

And there is perhaps a more personal reason why the prospect of death resonates with him.

Mr Farage has survived two serious brushes with death, including testicular cancer when he was just 21.

The second came on May 6, 2010, when the light aircraft he was travelling in crashed during his campaign to win the Buckingham constituency.

The plane, which was towing a UKIP election banner, came down at Hinton-in-the-Hedges airfield in Northamptonshire after the banner became entangled in its tail.

Mr Farage was pulled bloodied from the wreckage, suffering serious injuries including broken ribs, damage to his sternum and a chipped spine.

“I had five minutes of thinking what death was like, Mr Farage reflected. “Which most people don’t ever get.”

He recalled the progression from disbelief to fear as the aircraft came towards the ground.

“In my experience, it was, no, this can’t be happening. To, oh, f**k, it is happening. To God, I’m scared.”

It is an unusually candid reflection from a politician more accustomed to projecting confidence and defiance.

It would be wrong to equate his experience with the horrors endured by men in the trenches, but it offers an insight into why Mr Farage kept asking moral questions about fate, death and existence.

And Mr Farage was also keen to point out the sacrifice of men across the Empire, with memorials accommodating Muslim and Sikh troops from further afield.

He explained: “You have the Christian Cross of Sacrifice on everyone, but you also have this, and this is designed to be a religious symbol that would suit every religion.

“Even then, we were very conscious of soldiers who served from other parts of the Empire that would have been Muslim, would have been Sikh.”

Mr Farage added: “I’d like to think in some way this story could be used in modern Britain as a bit more of a unifier, that there is a collective sense of shared history.”

For a politician whose career has involved some of the fiercest arguments about British identity, it is an interesting interpretation of the country’s past.

There is, however, an inevitable political dimension to the way Mr Farage views that shared history.

For all his insistence that the documentary was non-political, Mr Farage could not resist drawing a connection with one of the defining arguments of his political career: Brexit.

In a speech that followed, the Reform UK leader returned to his long-held argument that the European project was built on a misunderstanding of Germany’s past.

“When Bismarck unites the Germans, what’s the first thing Bismarck does? Invades [France]. In 1914, Germany invades. In 1940, Germany invades.”

“And these are the foundations of the European Union,” he declared.

Mr Farage then recalled his discussions with former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, a fellow avid drinker, whose father had been conscripted into the Wehrmacht and seriously wounded on the Eastern Front.

He said: “One of the reasons that I opposed the European Union so vehemently as I did, right from the early days, was because they were developing what they believed to be a solution for a problem that no longer existed.”

It is a fascinating political detour, particularly given the documentary’s non-political insistence, but perhaps it explains why the history buff is the man he is today.

After all, Mr Farage spent years arguing that Britain should leave the European Union, even when it was unfashionable, and helped secure victory in 2016.

For the Reform UK leader, that result was clearly not simply about Britain’s relationship with Brussels. It was about national identity, sovereignty and the lessons of European history.

But perhaps that is precisely why the connection is so revealing about Mr Farage’s political instincts.

But perhaps the most interesting moment comes towards the end, with the story of Ed and Ted.

The two men, Mr Farage recalled, spent every evening drinking, arguing and giving each other abuse.

However, Mr Farage pointed out that they firmly believed their right to disagree with one another was precisely what they had fought for, and what their fathers had fought for in the previous war.

The anecdote, which in classic Farage fashion was set in a boozer, remains a powerful reminder of the freedoms we inherit today.

And the Reform UK leader revealed this is the start, not the end, of his journey into historical storytelling.

The Brexit stalwart wants to write a book about the so-called “Farage theory” when he hangs up his political boots.

Some of his critics believe that might come sooner rather than later, and the passion displayed on Thursday might do little to placate such speculation.

Mr Farage’s argument centres on how the Allies could have thwarted the rise of Adolf Hitler by continuing the fighting for another six weeks, echoing warnings he attributes to US General John Pershing.

His theory is that the Armistice came too early, allowing the German military to avoid the decisive defeat which might have prevented the later myth that its soldiers had never really been beaten.

He argues that this, combined with the punitive terms imposed at Versailles, helped create the conditions in which National Socialism could flourish.

But he is also acutely aware of the terrible human cost of the alternative, with British forces suffering around 1,000 deaths a day in the final weeks of the Great War.

He believes, however, that driving German forces back across the Rhine could have prevented the rise of Hitler, the Second World War and the deaths of as many as 100 million people.

It is an extraordinary price to contemplate after more than four years of slaughter.

Other uncomfortable topics are raised, too, including the treatment of soldiers shot at dawn after suffering from shell-shock and the imprisonment of thousands of conscientious objectors.

Ultimately, however, the documentary is about bringing people together.

Mr Farage is about to make his first appearance at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday.

“I’ll be very honoured to represent the party at the Cenotaph on Sunday,” he said.

“And it’s something that will mean a lot to me personally. It really will.”

His absence in previous years has fuelled arguments about the political establishment, including from within Reform.

But this year appears to demonstrate Mr Farage’s pride rather than any political grievance.

“I’d like to think in some way this story could be used in modern Britain as a bit more of a unifier, that there is a collective sense of shared history,” he said.

And perhaps that is the most revealing insight of all.

Mr Farage has often been defined by what he wants Britain to change.

But this documentary is about what he believes Britain must never forget.

For a politician who has spent 35 years arguing about the country’s future, and warning about its decline, there is something rather revealing about seeing him so absorbed in the lives of those who shaped its past.

The message of his documentary is a powerful one.

It is about the remarkable stories of ordinary people who, through their courage, sacrifice and extraordinary deeds, gave us so much of what we have to be proud of today. They are the people whose lives shaped this country’s history, and whose stories deserve to be remembered by this country today.