Name/Title
1949 - 4 April - An original CGG Canadian Efficiency Medal and Notice of award of First Clasp to D534042 WOII (CSM) Matthew Penman, ED signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding J.D. Hannen, EDScope and Content
For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM ***
1949 - 4 April - An original CGG Canadian Efficiency Medal and Notice of award of First Clasp to D534042 WOII (CSM) Matthew Penman, ED signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding J.D. Hannen, ED
ABOUT THE CANADIAN EFFICIENCY MEDAL
This medal was awarded for 12 years of service to non-permanent active militia, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Auxiliary and reserve until 17 August 1942. Ranks receiving the medal included Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and non-commissioned members. The dates were 23 September 1931 for members joining before 01 September 1939. Only 10,500 KGVI 'CANADA' bar medals were awarded with only 3,200 first bars for further service.
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, 2026Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
June 27, 2026
