1974 - CGG TOP SHOT - Original WWI and Long Service Medal Group and miniature medals named to CGG CSM (WO2) Matthew Penman, EM mounted on by W. Scully Ltd. (Montreal)

Archive

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Musée Canadian Grenadier Guards Museum

Name/Title

1974 - CGG TOP SHOT - Original WWI and Long Service Medal Group and miniature medals named to CGG CSM (WO2) Matthew Penman, EM mounted on by W. Scully Ltd. (Montreal)

Scope and Content

For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection *** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM *** 1974 - Original CGG WWI and Long Service Medal Group and miniature medals named to CSM (WO2) Matthew Penman, EM MEDAL GROUP CONSISTS OF: - WWI 1914/15 Star - named to Cpl m. Penman (only 71,734 were issued to Canadians during WWI) - British War Medal - named to 256 Sgt. m. Penman 14.Can.Inf - British Victory Medal - named to 256 Sgt. M. Penman 14.Can.Inf - 1935 KGV & Queen Mary Jubilee Medal - unnamed as issued (only 114,00 issued to Canadians) *7,500 medals were awarded to Canadians in total, of which 1,154 were given to members of the Canadian Forces - 1936 (Type 1) KGVI Efficiency Medal with Canada Bar and 6-years' service clast- named to CSM Penman CGG *Only 10,500 KGVI EM's and 3,500 first clasps were awarded to Canadians - 1929 KGV Colonial Auxiliary Long Service Medal named to Sgt. M. Penman, CGG * Only 1,660 King George V Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medals were issued to Canadians - Ribbon Bar with rosette for the KGVI EM - Miniature WWI medal group (Pip, Squeak, and Wilfred) trio 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, 2026

Updated By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Update Date

July 1, 2026