1930's - CGG TOP SHOT - Guardsman Matthew Penman Leads In Montreal Star Contest - This newspaper article reports on a Montreal rifle team's victory over a visiting team from Paterson, New Jersey, in an annual international marksmanship competition.

Name/Title

1930's - CGG TOP SHOT - "Guardsman Matthew Penman Leads In Montreal Star Contest" - This newspaper article reports on a Montreal rifle team's victory over a visiting team from Paterson, New Jersey, in an annual international marksmanship competition.

Scope and Content

For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection *** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM *** 1930's - CGG TOP SHOT - "Guardsman Matthew Penman Leads In Montreal Star Contest" - This newspaper article reports on a Montreal rifle team's victory over a visiting team from Paterson, New Jersey, in an annual international marksmanship competition. - This clipping is attributed to the collection of artifacts from the Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM. The article reports that Matt Penman of the Canadian Grenadier Guards took the early lead in the Montreal Star Match, a prestigious rifle shooting competition held at the Provincial of Quebec Rifle Association ranges at Mont St. Bruno and references several notable CEF/CASF members including RSM Cecil William Foam, MBE (Black Watch / Rifles). Key points include: Penman led after the first stage of the competition, which attracted more than 80 of the top marksmen. He scored 49 points, putting him one point ahead of a group of four competitors tied at 48 points: Major E. C. Cowan (R.C.O.C.) Paul John Niemi Pte Joseph Malcolm Lemieux (Royal Montreal Regiment) Cecil William Foam, MBE (Black Watch / Late WW2 RSM of Brockville Rifles 1902-1994) The competition was fired in two stages at 200 and 500 yards. The final stage would conclude that afternoon and determine the Lieutenant-Governor's Match provincial champion. The defending title holder, Sgt. Alex Parnell of the Black Watch, did not compete because he had recently returned from overseas. The article notes increased interest in the event due to the participation of three women competitors: Mrs. D. MacRae Miss Isabel MacRae Mrs. E. M. Wright All three were described as accomplished pistol and rifle shooters. Another competitor, Miss MacRae, was close behind the leaders with 47 points. The article concludes by saying the competition would become more difficult when shooting moved to the 500-yard range, and that the Old Chum Match would be held the following day. Overall, the story highlights Matt Penman's strong opening performance and his narrow lead in a highly competitive provincial marksmanship championship. 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

July 6, 2026

Updated By