Name/Title
1934 - 14 August - CGG TOP SHOT - Two original newspaper articles about Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman and the Canadian Banker's Shooting Match in Ottawa Ontario.Scope and Content
For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM ***
1934 - 14 August - CGG TOP SHOT - Two original newspaper articles about Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman and the Canadian Banker's Shooting Match in Ottawa Ontario.
SUMMARY
These two newspaper articles report on Sergeant Matthew ("Matt") Penman's victory in the 1934 Banker's Match at the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association (DCRA) annual meeting at Connaught Rifle Ranges, South March (Ottawa), Ontario. Together they emphasize both his individual marksmanship and his standing as one of Canada's premier competitive rifle shooters.
Summary of the Two Articles
On 14 August 1934, Sergeant Matt Penman of the Canadian Grenadier Guards (Montreal) won the prestigious Banker's Trophy (Banker's Match), one of the richest and most important competitions held during the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association's annual championships. Penman earned first prize money by posting outstanding scores at both 300 and 600 yards. He finished tied on raw score with Sergeant C. Iddiols of Calgary, a noted Bisley marksman, but was awarded the trophy because his higher placings during the match gave him the advantage under the competition's tie-breaking rules.
The articles note that Penman:
Scored 48 out of 50 at 300 yards on the opening day.
Returned the following day to fire a perfect 50 at the longer distance, giving him the winning aggregate.
Competed under difficult conditions after overnight rain left the firing points muddy, requiring competitors to lie on rubber sheets. A steady west wind and poor twilight visibility also challenged the shooters.
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
