Name/Title
1947 - CGG TOP SHOT - An original BISLEY COMPETITION (UK) 1947 Sleeve - Shoulder badge worn by CGG CSM (WO2) Matthew Penman, EMScope and Content
For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM ***
1947 - CGG TOP SHOT - An original BISLEY COMPETITION (UK) 1947 Sleeve - Shoulder badge worn by CGG CSM (WO2) Matthew Penman, EM
ABOUT BISLEY / NRA IMPERIAL MEETING
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).
The first Imperial Meeting was contested on Wimbledon Common, in south-west London, in 1860 when Queen Victoria fired the first shot and gave a prize of £250 to the best individual marksman. Originally the Meeting was only available to Volunteers (regular and reserve military personnel) using the issued service rifle of the day. Today the National Rifle Association hold the Imperial Meeting as an open competition with the aim to promote and encourage marksmanship throughout the King’s (or Queen’s) dominions and has grown to include many different disciplines. The largest entry is for Target Rifle, which dominates the final week of the Meeting and culminates with the final of the King’s Prize.
The King’s Prize remains the premier award for the Meeting’s top shot, with the £250 prize still given to the winner. Host to the competition is The National Shooting Centre – Bisley, the world-renowned ranges complex covering virtually all forms of shooting from air rifle to 1200 yards full-bore shooting.
ABOUT THE CGG SOLDIER
CSM (WO2) MATTHEW PENMAN, ED – (1889-1974) - CSM CGG / Sgt. 14th Bn (RMR) CEF
Top Competitive Shooting Achievements
• BISLEY TEAM CANADA MEMBER 1921, 1923, 1930-1935, 1947, 1957 (10 times)
• KING’s PRIZE (BISLEY) CHAMPION 1932
• BISLEY TOP POSSIBLE SCORE 1935
• GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA PRIZE 1920 (Top Canadian Shot)
• CANADIAN DCRA / QUÉBEC RIFLE ASSOCIATION CHAMPION 1930-1938
• CGG RIFLE ASSOCIATION PEPLER CHALLENGE CUP WINNER X 2
• Over 60 additional NRA, DCRA, QPRA, and other 'Top Shot' and 'Champion' awards from 1920-1957
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 25, 2026Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
June 27, 2026
