Name/Title
1930 - an original newspaper clipping referring to DCRA Walker's Match with Sgt Matthew Penmen, EMScope and Content
For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM ***
1930 - an original newspaper clipping referring to DCRA Walker's Match with Sgt Matthew Penmen, EM
SUMMARY
This newspaper article reports on the Dominion Rifle Association (D.R.A.) Championships held at Connaught Rifle Ranges near Ottawa on August 14, where exceptionally difficult weather conditions failed to prevent some remarkable shooting performances.
Eight Marksmen Tie for First in the Walker Match - The headline focuses on Lieutenant D. Burke of Ottawa, who was among eight competitors tied for first place in the prestigious Walker Match, one of the Dominion Rifle Association's premier competitions.
Despite firing in:
heavy rain,
poor visibility,
dim light,
and shifting winds,
All eight competitors fired perfect scores at both 300 and 800 yards, an achievement veteran shooters described as one of the finest displays of marksmanship seen in years. The eight tied leaders were:
Sgt. S. M. Beckington (Toronto)
Lieut. Desmond Burke (Ottawa)
Mr. G. H. Collings (Vancouver)
Capt. J. E. Foreman (Hamilton)
Cpl. G. E. Matchett (Hamilton)
C.S.M. N. J. McLeod (Toronto)
Sgt. Matt Penman (Montreal)
Pte. R. A. Sweet (Hamilton)
Matt Penman Again Among Canada's Elite
Although Penman is not the central subject of the article, his inclusion among only eight shooters nationwide to achieve a perfect score under such adverse conditions demonstrates his standing among Canada's finest rifle marksmen. The article places him alongside many of the country's best military and civilian competitors, further confirming his consistent high-level performances during the 1930s.
The Walker Match
The article explains that the Walker Match was:
One of the most important individual and team events at the Dominion Rifle Association meeting;
an individual championship awarding a D.R.A. Silver Medal and $20 in prize money to the winner;
accompanied by a team championship for the Walker Challenge Cup, donated by Hiram Walker & Sons.
The competition was noted as one of the most fiercely contested events on the annual shooting calendar.
Historical Significance
This article provides further contemporary evidence of Sergeant Matthew Penman's exceptional consistency as a competitive rifle marksman. Rather than highlighting a single championship victory, it shows that he routinely ranked among Canada's elite shooters in major Dominion Rifle Association events. When considered alongside other newspaper accounts documenting his:
1934 Banker's Trophy victory,
1935 First Stage of the King's Prize at Bisley,
1944 Quebec Provincial Rifle Championship, and
43-year military career with the Canadian Grenadier Guards,
This article reinforces Penman's reputation as one of the leading military rifle marksmen in Canada during the interwar period. His ability to produce perfect scores under some of the most difficult range conditions further illustrates the technical skill and composure that made him a perennial contender at the highest levels of competitive shooting.
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 30, 2026Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
June 30, 2026