Name/Title
1952 - CGG TOP SHOT - Photo of CSM Matthew Penman at the DCRA Connaught Ranges (Ottawa Ontario) annual marksmanship competition. - This clipping is attributed to the collection of artifacts from the Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM.Scope and Content
For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM ***
1952 - CGG TOP SHOT - Photo of CSM Matthew Penman at the DCRA Connaught Ranges annual marksmanship competition in Ottawa, Ontario. - This clipping is attributed to the collection of artifacts from the Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM.
This newspaper photograph was taken at Connaught Ranges in Ottawa during a national rifle shooting competition, likely in August 1952 (based on the handwritten notation).
"FOR THIS TRIO, GREAT EXPECTATIONS"—The happy expressions on the faces of these three marksmen at Connaught Ranges over the week-end result from their practice efforts on the 500-yard range. Examining pre-competition scores are, left to right, CSM M. Penman, Montreal; SM W. H. Jeffery, Montreal, and Sgt. J. D. O'Connell, Fredericton, N.B.
(Journal Staff Photo.)
The caption identifies three experienced military marksmen who are preparing for competition after successful practice on the 500-yard range:
Company Sergeant Major (CSM) M. Penman of Montreal
Sergeant Major (SM) W. H. Jeffery of Montreal
Sergeant J. D. O'Connell of Fredericton, New Brunswick
The article notes that the men's "happy expressions" reflect confidence gained from strong practice scores before the formal competition begins.
Significance for CGG CSM Matt Penman, EM
This clipping shows that by 1952, Matt Penman had advanced to the rank of Company Sergeant Major (CSM) and was still competing at a high level in military marksmanship decades after the earlier newspaper articles you shared from the 1930s. His inclusion in a featured pre-competition photograph suggests he was regarded as one of the leading competitors expected to perform well at the Connaught Ranges championships.
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 6, 2026Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
July 6, 2026