1938 - April 29th - An original WWI service verification letter from Canada department of National Defence to CGG CSM Matthew Penman, EM, confirming his Wartime service between 13 August 1914 and September 17 1919. The letter confirms that CSM Penman (then a Private) was on strength with the 1st Regiment Canadian Grenadier Guards on August 13th 1914 and enlisted with the 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) CEF where he served until discharged on 17 Sept. 1919. Signed by Major (Late Colonel) W.E.L. Coleman. Officer I/C (Director) of Records.

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For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection *** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM *** 1938 - April 29th - An original WWI service verification letter from Canada department of National Defence to CSM Matthew Penman, EM, confirming his Wartime service between 13 August 1914 and September 17 1919. The letter confirms that CSM Penman (then a Private) was on strength with the 1st Regiment Canadian Grenadier Guards on August 13th 1914 and enlisted with the 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) CEF where he served until discharged on 17 Sept. 1919. Signed by Major (Late Colonel) W.E.L. Coleman. Officer I/C (Director) of Records. ABOUT COLONEL WILLIAM EDGAR LAWRENCE COLEMAN, MC, VD Colonel William Edgar Lawrence Coleman, MC, VD is best known for his Role in WWII Recruitment and served in the Department of National Defence (DND) during World War II, where he was involved in Yugoslav recruitment and intelligence operations. He was part of a broader effort to recruit Yugoslav irregulars for the Canadian Armed Forces, a program that ran from 1942 to 1943. This initiative was part of Canada’s contribution to the Allied war effort, aiming to bolster forces with experienced fighters from regions under Axis control. 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