1953 - CGG TOP SHOT - Local Marksmen Defeat U.S. Team - This newspaper article reports on a Montreal rifle team's victory over a visiting team from Paterson, New Jersey, in an annual international marksmanship competition. - This clipping is attributed to the collection of artifacts from the Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM.

Name/Title

1953 - CGG TOP SHOT - "Local Marksmen Defeat U.S. Team" - This newspaper article reports on a Montreal rifle team's victory over a visiting team from Paterson, New Jersey, in an annual international 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 *** 1953 - CGG TOP SHOT - "Local Marksmen Defeat U.S. Team" - This newspaper article reports on a Montreal rifle team's victory over a visiting team from Paterson, New Jersey, in an annual international marksmanship competition. - This clipping is attributed to the collection of artifacts from the Sgt. (Late CSM) Matthew Penman, EM. Key Highlights Montreal defeats U.S. team A 15-man Montreal rifle team defeated the Paterson, New Jersey team by a score of 1,490 to 1,478. The maximum possible score was 1,500, demonstrating the exceptionally high standard of shooting by both teams. The victory reversed the previous year's result, when Paterson had defeated Montreal 1,490 to 1,468. Outstanding Individual Performances Matt Penman was one of eight Montreal shooters to fire a perfect score (100). The other perfect scores were recorded by: E. Gagne T. L. Jamieson H. W. Wilson Ernest Paget J. E. Hughes Gilles Perodeau P. J. Niemi A. A. Gordon Shooters scoring 99 included: W. J. Lafferty E. A. Rice W. H. Herbert 98: G. F. Barwick R. A. Martin 97: Jack Stein Additional Competition News The article also notes a report from the National Rifle Association (Washington, D.C.) stating that the State of Ohio defeated the Province of Quebec in a postal rifle match by 10 points, with final scores of 3,969 to 3,959. Historical Significance This article adds another important accomplishment to Sergeant Matthew ("Matt") Penman's marksmanship career. His perfect score of 100 helped lead the Montreal team to victory over a strong American team from Paterson, New Jersey, demonstrating the high level of Canadian military and civilian rifle shooting during the period. The article is also significant because it places Penman alongside several of Canada's leading marksmen, including Ernest Paget, another Canadian Grenadier Guards shooter who appears frequently in contemporary competition reports. Together, Penman and Paget consistently emerge as two of Montreal's—and Canada's—elite rifle shots. Penman's Career Timeline (from the articles you've shared) Taken together, the newspaper clippings establish a remarkable progression in Matt Penman's shooting career: 1934 – Won the Canadian Grenadier Guards Grand Aggregate Championship for the second consecutive year, including a perfect score at 500 yards. 1939 – Won the PQRA Active Militia Match with another perfect 500-yard score. Post-war – Continued to represent the Canadian Grenadier Guards in major international competitions, including matches against U.S. National Guard teams. 1950s – Helped lead the Guards to the Sherwood Trophy and served as principal shooting coach after representing Canada at Bisley. 1954 – Publicly recognized by the Province of Quebec Rifle Association as one of the key coaches responsible for Quebec's championship rifle teams. These articles collectively portray Matt Penman as one of the Canadian Grenadier Guards' most accomplished competitive marksmen and later one of Canada's most respected military rifle coaches. 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 2, 2026

Updated By