1935 - BISLEY VICTORY TELEGRAM FROM CGG Comrades - 18th July - An original UK British Post Office Telegram to Sgt. (Late CSM WO2) Matthew Penman, EM (staying at Canadian Hut, Bisley Camp, Surry, UK) Congratulating him on his victory and stating, We want the King's Prize! From the Namiesons. (Possible neighbors or friends of the family)

Name/Title

1935 - BISLEY VICTORY TELEGRAM FROM CGG Comrades - 18th July - An original UK British Post Office Telegram to Sgt. (Late CSM WO2) Matthew Penman, EM (staying at Canadian Hut, Bisley Camp, Surry, UK) Congratulating him on his victory and stating, "We want the King's Prize!" From the Namiesons. (Possible neighbors or friends of the family)

Scope and Content

For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection *** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM *** 1935 - BISLEY VICTORY TELEGRAM FROM CGG Comrades - 18th July - An original UK British Post Office Telegram to Sgt. (Late CSM WO2) Matthew Penman, EM (staying at Canadian Hut, Bisley Camp, Surry, UK) Congratulating him on his victory and stating, "We want the King's Prize!" From the Namiesons. (Possible neighbors or friends of the family) The Canadian Bisley team was a national selection of top rifle shooters who competed annually at the Bisley Rifle Club in Surrey, England, against other Commonwealth and international teams. Success was measured by placing in the top ranks of the Grand Aggregate (overall competition) and the King’s Prize (individual event). 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 27, 2026

Updated By