Kimbolton School, Cambridgeshire, welcomed acclaimed American actor, humanitarian, and military advocate Gary Sinise on Sunday 3 May for a special visit. Sinise visited the school, and the local area, to explore his family’s World War II history as part of a documentary project exploring RAF Kimbolton’s legacy.

Best known to many for his iconic role as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, Sinise visited Kimbolton School while tracing the story of his uncle, who was stationed at RAF Kimbolton. Located close to the school grounds, RAF Kimbolton was used by the American Air Force (USAAF Station 117) during World War II and was home to the 379th Bombardment Group. Operating B-17 Flying Fortresses from 1943 to 1945, the base played a key role in the Eighth Air Force’s daylight bombing campaign, flying more than 330 combat missions.

Accompanied by a film crew, Governor and Parish Council representative, Debra Hellet, MP for Huntingdon Ben Obese-Jecty, representatives from the KSPA and the school, and Stuart Ainsworth from the Royal British Legion, Sinise’s Sunday visit followed pre-filming activities on the Saturday and a broader exploration of Kimbolton, and Kimbolton School’s deep connections to wartime history. His visit also coincided with Kimbolton School Parents Association’s inaugural Living History event – giving him the chance to meet reenactors and look at World War II vehicles and memorabilia displays that brought the era vividly to life.

Kimbolton School Headmaster, Will Chuter, and school representatives welcomed Sinise. Speaking about the visit, Mr Chuter said:

“We were delighted to welcome Gary Sinise to Kimbolton School. His passion for military history, his longstanding support for service personnel and veterans, and his personal connection to RAF Kimbolton made this a truly memorable occasion for our school and community. It’s not every day you get to welcome a Hollywood actor into your community to help shine a spotlight on the village’s remarkable wartime story!”