Family photo 1920 - analysis requested

[Tobino]

Hi.  The attached photo is of family relations.  Said to be taken in 1920.  Any insight on:  uniforms, time of year, place even.... one young family member was lost in Belgium and buried there so maybe a trip was taken.  I’m not certain why the American flag as of yet.  My Grandfather Harold Howard #20434, 22nd Manchester’s was still a British subject.  Two of his older brothers had become US citizens.  I have not yet researched to determine if any sons of theirs fought and were lost. My grandfather, born in 1888, was the youngest of 11 children, survived his time in the war. 
Thank you,
Ruth

[PhilipG]

I would agree that the photograph suggests it was taken in the 1920's - based on the style of dress the ladies are wearing.   A solemn occasion is depicted.  Each soldier is wearing medal ribbons.    The tunic worn by the man on the right of the picture seems to be different from those worn by the other soldiers - based on a count of the number of buttons, but I am no expert in such matters.  Clearly a photograph of a piece of history.   PhilipG.

[rafboy]

I cannot be sure but when you enlarge the photo it looks to me as though there are two graves with the American flag on the one next to theirs.
The collar on the man on the right's tunic is also different to the others.
Cliff

[charlie]

I agree with the very early 1920s. They are wearing the WW1 medal ribbons which dates the photo to post July 1919. They are also wearing collardogs (collar badges) which were reintroduced in 1920/21.
The tree in the background, which by its shape is deciduous, is in full leaf, which would suggest summer time.
Charlie

[Tobino]

Thank you all so much for your observations.  Very helpful! 

Ruth

[mack]

hello ruth
your grandfathers older brother albert,edward howard,lost his son L/Cpl 251767 Sidney howard,12th manchesters,hes buried in dozinghem military cemetery.grave details X.D.13
his parents john and catherine ran the white bear hotel,knutsford
your grandfathers brother pte 38457 thomas howard loyal north lancs regt,was the only other brother to have served in the war,he was deemed unfit for active service and was transferred to the army pay corps as cpl 14243 thomas howard,didnt serve overseas.
resided with his wife and family at 70 cobden st,blackley,he was a shoe salesman,married nellie schofield at primitive methodist church,blackley on 18-12-1907

mack
 

[mack]

hello ruth
your grandfathers older sister annie also lost her son,she was married to Robert,molyneux pickston,they had a son called ernest who was born 1896,robert died 3yrs after ernest was born,in around 1900,annie married Edward Williams,ernest took the surname of his stepfather and became ernest Williams.
pte 2062 ernest williams
1/6th manchesters
killed in action 31-5-1915 at gallipoli
resided with his parents at the rose+crown inn,king st,knutsford
he and his cousin sidney howard are both on knutsford war memorial

mack

[charlie]

The tall soldier standing between the two ladies looks like he was in the Royal Engineers - round cap badge and flaming grenade collardogs.

Charlie

[rafboy]

hello ruth
your grandfathers older brother albert,edward howard,lost his son L/Cpl 251767 Sidney howard,12th manchesters,hes buried in dozinghem military cemetery.grave details X.D.13
his parents john and catherine ran the white bear hotel,knutsford
your grandfathers brother pte 38457 thomas howard loyal north lancs regt,was the only other brother to have served in the war,he was deemed unfit for active service and was transferred to the army pay corps as cpl 14243 thomas howard,didnt serve overseas.
resided with his wife and family at 70 cobden st,blackley,he was a shoe salesman,married nellie schofield at primitive methodist church,blackley on 18-12-1907
mack

Thought this would be of interest, Dozinghem Military Cemetery : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwK-KH87Ttk

There is also a Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dozinghem-Military-Cemetery-Westvleteren/150864635596397

Cliff