Name/Title
1939 - CGG TOP SHOT - An original newspaper article reporting on Sergeant (Late CSM) Matt Penman, EM of the Canadian Grenadier Guards winning the Active Militia Match at the 1939 Province of Quebec Rifle Association (PQRA) annual meeting, held at St. Bruno, Quebec.Scope and Content
For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM ***
1939 - CGG TOP SHOT - An original newspaper article reporting on Sergeant (Late CSM) Matt Penman, EM of the Canadian Grenadier Guards winning the Active Militia Match at the 1939 Province of Quebec Rifle Association (PQRA) annual meeting, held at St. Bruno, Quebec.- This clipping is attributed to the collection of artifacts from the Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM.
Key Highlights
Matt Penman wins the Active Militia Match
Sgt. Matt Penman captured first place in the prestigious Active Militia Match with a score of 68.
The article notes that the competition had been delayed by rain.
Penman excelled under changing conditions, scoring 35 at 200 yards before firing a perfect possible score at 500 yards, securing the victory.
Other Top Finishers
C.S.M. Foan of the Black Watch finished second after achieving a perfect score on the shorter ranges but losing ground at the longer distances.
Alex Parnell, another prominent Canadian marksman, placed third.
S.Q.M.S. Edsell of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps finished fourth.
Other Competition Results
The article summarizes additional matches held during the PQRA meeting:
Gatineau Association Match
Sgt. Anderson of the Gatineau Association won with a possible score of 35, earning the Montreal Star Trophy for Class B shooters.
Major Wood (Royal Montreal Regiment) placed second.
Sgt. O.S. Boulter (Victoria Rifles of Montreal) was third.
Sherbrooke Team Success
The Sherbrooke Regiment won the Montreal Star Cup with 292 points.
The Royal Canadian Regiment captured the Burland Challenge Trophy.
Black Watch Team Victory
The Black Watch won the Active Militia team prize with 263 points.
The Royal Montreal Regiment finished second with 256.
The Royal Canadian Regiment was third with 257 (the article appears to contain a minor inconsistency in the printed order versus scores).
Molson's Match
S.Q.M.S. V. F. Barkley of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps won after firing at 300 and 600 yards, scoring 67.
Corporal E. W. Currie (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) finished second.
C.S.M. Foan placed third.
Victoria Rifles Cup
The Black Watch won the team trophy with 253 points.
Historical Significance
This article documents another major achievement in Sergeant Matthew Penman's competitive shooting career. His victory in the 1939 PQRA Active Militia Match—highlighted by a perfect score at 500 yards—reinforces his reputation as one of the Canadian Grenadier Guards' finest rifle marksmen. The article also links Penman with several other notable Canadian shooters, including Alex Parnell, who would later work alongside him as a coach of Quebec championship rifle teams in the 1950s. Together, these articles trace Penman's progression from elite competitor to one of Canada's most respected military marksmanship instructors.
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
July 2, 2026Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
July 2, 2026