1952 - CGG TOP SHOT - This newspaper article reports on the closing stages of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association (DCRA) annual rifle championships at Connaught Ranges near Ottawa. - This clipping is attributed to the collection of artifacts from the Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM.

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Musée Canadian Grenadier Guards Museum

Name/Title

1952 - CGG TOP SHOT - This newspaper article reports on the closing stages of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association (DCRA) annual rifle championships at Connaught Ranges near Ottawa. - 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 - This newspaper article reports on the closing stages of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association (DCRA) annual rifle championships at Connaught Ranges near Ottawa and refers to William Edison 'Ed' George (A Sask. Hall of Fame Marksman) - This clipping is attributed to the collection of artifacts from the Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM. Governor General's Medal The centerpiece of the competition was the Governor General's Medal, considered the most prestigious individual award in Canadian rifle shooting. 300 competitors, including both men and women, remained eligible. The final consisted of: 15 shots at 300 yards 15 shots at 600 yards A concluding 20-shot stage at 900 yards, to be fired the following day. W. E. (Ed) George Dominates The article highlights W. E. (Ed) George of Saskatoon as the standout competitor of the meet. His accomplishments included: Winning the City of Ottawa Match with a perfect score of 100, firing 20 consecutive bull's-eyes at 200 and 900 yards. Capturing the Grand Aggregate Challenge Trophy, awarded to the top scorer across seven major matches. Posting 705 points out of a possible 725 in those seven matches. Winning the Wednesday Aggregate for the highest score in that day's principal events. The article describes George as a seasoned competitor and veteran of two Canadian Bisley teams. A Humorous Anecdote The story recalls an unusual incident from the previous year's DCRA meeting: A false rumor had spread that Ed George had died after someone mentioned his "death" in a letter to another competitor. The rumor became so widespread that the Union Jack was flown at half-mast during the competition. The article notes humorously that George appeared alive and well at this year's event, jokingly disproving last year's mistaken report. Other Leading Competitors The article also notes: James C. Boa finished second in the City of Ottawa Match with 99 points. Norman L. Beckett of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry placed third with 98 points. Relation to Matt Penman Unlike several of the earlier articles you've shared, this clipping does not mention Matt Penman by name. Instead, it provides context about the high level of competition at the Connaught Ranges during the DCRA championships. Since Penman was an active competitor at Connaught during this era, this article helps illustrate the prestigious national competitions in which he participated, even though the focus here is on Ed George's exceptional performances and the race for the Governor General's Medal. 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, 2026

Updated By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Update Date

July 6, 2026