Name/Title
1940 - An original newspaper article reporting CGG's 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, Canadian Grenadier Guards (CGG) having won the prestigious Sherwood Trophy, recognizing it as the top Reserve Army rifle shooting unit in Canada.Scope and Content
For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM ***
This clipping is attributed to the collection of artifacts from the Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM.
1940 - An original newspaper article reporting CGG's 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, Canadian Grenadier Guards (CGG) having won the prestigious Sherwood Trophy, recognizing it as the top Reserve Army rifle shooting unit in Canada.
National Championship
The Canadian Grenadier Guards captured the Sherwood Trophy, awarded annually by the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association (DCRA). The trophy recognizes the highest aggregate score achieved by any Reserve Army unit in Canada during competitions held over the three-month period of February, March, and April. The battalion was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel H. D. Rolland, E.D. The article notes that, before the war, the regiment had been less active in provincial (PQRA) and Dominion (DCRA) rifle competitions than some other Montreal-area units, making the victory especially noteworthy.
Sergeant Matt Penman. The article identifies Sergeant Matt (Matthew) Penman as the regiment's most distinguished marksman. Penman had previously represented Canada at Bisley, England—the world's premier full-bore rifle shooting competition. He remained an active member of the regiment and served as its principal shooting coach, highlighting his continued influence on the Guards' marksmanship program.
Other Key Personnel
Captain S. W. McNaughton, Training Officer of the Reserve Battalion, is recognized as an accomplished rifle shot. Sergeant Norman Disher served as the regiment's Musketry Sergeant, responsible for overseeing marksmanship training.
Historical Significance
The article demonstrates that the Canadian Grenadier Guards maintained one of Canada's strongest reserve marksmanship programs in the post-war period. It also underscores Sergeant Matthew Penman's stature as one of the regiment's greatest rifle shots. His experience representing Canada at Bisley and his role as the regiment's chief coach likely contributed significantly to the Guards' success in winning the national Sherwood Trophy.
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 1, 2026Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
July 1, 2026
