Name/Title
1934 - CGG TOP SHOT - An original Canadian Army 1934 BEST SHOT badge worn by CGG CSM (WO2) Matthew Penman, EMScope and Content
For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM ***
1934 - CGG BEST SHOT - An original Canadian Army 1934 'BEST SHOT' badge worn by CGG CSM (WO2) Matthew Penman, EM
The Canadian Army “Best Shot” badge was a qualification insignia awarded to the most skilled marksman in the Canadian Army during a given year. The 1934 Canadian Army Best Shot Qualification Patch is documented in militaria listings. These patches were worn to denote the recipient’s exceptional marksmanship skills and were part of the Army’s recognition system for individual excellence. The badge was a mark of distinction for the top rifleman in the Army, similar to other military “Best Shot” awards in the UK and Commonwealth. The 1934 version is described as a vintage military accolade patch, likely featuring a crown, rifle, and the words “Best Shot” or “Qualification” in stylized lettering.
ABOUT THE CGG SOLDIER
CSM (WO2) MATTHEW PENMAN, ED – (1889-1974) - CSM CGG / Sgt. 14th Bn (RMR) CEF
Top Competitive Shooting Achievements
• BISLEY TEAM CANADA MEMBER 1921, 1923, 1930-1935, 1947, 1957 (10 times)
• KING’s PRIZE (BISLEY) CHAMPION 1932
• BISLEY TOP POSSIBLE SCORE 1935
• GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA PRIZE 1920 (Top Canadian Shot)
• CANADIAN DCRA / QUÉBEC RIFLE ASSOCIATION CHAMPION 1930-1938
• CGG RIFLE ASSOCIATION PEPLER CHALLENGE CUP WINNER X 2
• Over 60 additional NRA, DCRA, QPRA, and other 'Top Shot' and 'Champion' awards from 1920-1957
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, 2026Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
June 26, 2026