CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. It’s noised abroad, but very softly (9)

5. Something on at the end of the ABC (3)

7. Appear to understand large Roman numeral (4)

8. Cottage industry a top activity? (8)

10. Shows I’d returned to the drama in the ship... (8)

11. ... in which he might lead when deserters have returned (4)

13. Yes, being heartless about eight German vessels (6)

15. A tick that is of some importance (6)

18. Red Ensign, always lowered, starts to be what actually is (4)

19. In which numbers are bound to be discovered in church (8)

22. Unfortunately raged about article being got together (8)

23. A number of families bound together wash the middle away (4)

24. It takes half an unmanageable person to besmirch enemy (3)

25. Done up, the point of it is hidden (6,3)

DOWN

1. Used to be his day, but is out when laundry is done (7)

2. Is about to curtail such as Swift when these come to mind (5)

3. Settles back? (6)

4. Hollow made by blow in a wooden table (4)

5. Lets rib get broken to show one’s resentment (7)

6. Paper such a creature, not as powerful as might appear (5)

9. Make grooves in column and one might get tunes from it (5)

12. Makes up a phrase in entering the businesses (5)

14. Cathedral canons may be given a heading in the book (7)

16. Is accepted as a lodger, but hoodwinked (5,2)

17. By this I am unaccompanied (6)

18. An entitlement to set things the proper way up (5)

20. Pillbox shaken, a pound weight short, producing flower (5)

21. Poses the questions for tennis match components (4)