James Churchward proclaimed he was a Lt. Colonel in the Bengal Lancers, however evidence indicates otherwise.
Was there a Churchward that served in the Lancers?
According to a newspaper article from March 16, 1870,
Her Majesty’s Indian relief screw troopship, sailed from Portsmouth February 15th for Alexandria, with the following officers and troops on board for India… ;16th Lancers, Captain Churchward; …
The Captain in question is Charles Carrington Churchward (1842-1908) eldest son of Joseph George Churchward (1819-1900).
According to London Gazette and New Annual Army List:
Educated privately. Commissioned 1860, Cornet in the service of the 16th Regiment of Lancers.
Promoted to Captain in 1866 on active service. Resigned his Commission in 1876, and Commissioned into the Yeomanry Cavalry, The Royal East Kent as Lieutenant.
Also went under the name of CHARLES CARRIN CARRINGTON-CHURCHWARD.
Mary Charlotte Churchward née Gregory (1853-1893)
He married in Australia in 1882 Mary Charlotte Cuthbert (nee Gregory) and had issue.
Have a great day.