1919 - An original 1914-1915 Star Medal and insert notice to the presented to Pte. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM, 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) CEF autopen signed by Hon. Sydney Chilton Mewburn, PC

Archive

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Musée Canadian Grenadier Guards Museum

Name/Title

1919 - An original 1914-1915 Star Medal and insert notice to the presented to Pte. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM, 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) CEF autopen signed by Hon. Sydney Chilton Mewburn, PC

Scope and Content

For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection *** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM *** 1919 - An original 1914-1915 Star Medal and insert notice to the presented to Pte. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM, 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) CEF autopen signed by Hon. Sydney Chilton Mewburn, PC. Only 71,734 British 1914/15 Starts were awarded to Canadian Soldiers during WWI. ABOUT THE CGG SOLDIER CSM Mathew Penman, born in Dunston, England, immigrated to Canada in 1913 and joined the 1st Regiment Canadian Grenadier Guards (CGG). During World War I, he was among the 387 CGG members who volunteered to serve in the 14th Battalion (Royal Montréal Regiment) of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). Rising to the rank of Corporal, he was wounded in 1916 and later transferred to Canadian Division Headquarters, where he served as an Armourer-Sergeant, specializing in the repair of CEF bicycles. Upon his return to Canada in 1919, Penman was awarded the CEF Class A War Badge #399036 and rejoined CGG. He went on to become a highly successful competitive shooter from 1923-1963, earning the title of Québec Rifle Association Champion for eight consecutive years, from 1930 to 1938. Additionally, he won the prestigious CGG Pepler Challenge Cup twice. CSM Penman retired from active military service in 1958 as a Company Sergeant Major (CSM) but remained deeply involved with the CGG Veterans Association. Tragically, Mathew Penman passed away in 1974 while playing billiards in the CGG Sergeants Mess. His legacy as a dedicated soldier, skilled marksman, and committed veteran lives on in CGGs SGT’s Mess to this day.

Created By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Create Date

June 26, 2026

Updated By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Update Date

June 27, 2026