Name/Title
1935 - July - CGG TOP SHOT - Original newspaper article about Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman departure for Bisley in the UK.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 - July - CGG TOP SHOT - Original newspaper article about Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman departure for Bisley in the UK.
SUMMARY
This article announces that Sergeant Matthew ("Matt") Penman of the Canadian Grenadier Guards would travel to Bisley, England, to compete in the National Rifle Association (NRA) meeting. Key points include:
He planned to fly from Canada on July 24.
He was captain of the Canadian Grenadier Guards rifle team.
He had represented Canada at Bisley previously, including in 1923.
In 1935, he won the First Stage of the King's Prize at Bisley, one of the most prestigious rifle shooting competitions in the British Commonwealth.
He had won numerous Quebec provincial shooting championships, including the Lieutenant-Governor's Medal.
Before departing, members of the Canadian Grenadier Guards Sergeants' Mess held a social gathering and presented him with a farewell gift.
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