CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

17 296

Across

1. Men in U.S. bases after mobilising show resolution? (4,8)

8. Guides at home with risks? (7)

9. Altered flag in front of exhibition? It’s a devious act (7)

11. Sweet food? A cute bit’s prepared around one (3,7)

12. Pear-shaped fruit held back among numerous gifts (4)

14. Popular nurse extremely elevated on purpose? (8)

16. A military type probing fuss slowly? (6)

17. Female sailor of an excellent sort (3)

19. Notice in a French inn lately not observed (6)

21. Headquarters designed without a floor underground (8)

24. Breakfast food in seagoing vessels firstly discounted (4)

25. Dishearten one beset by more deals of a corrupt nature (10)

27. Waiting for mass, perhaps (7)

28. Dry nature in triad I suspect close to company (7)

29. Exercise by expert park employees, those seeking to avoid conflict? (12)

Down

1. Fantastic dame in time shows musical tone (7)

2. One with lots to sell? (10)

3. Fool in previous times largely abandoned musical sign (4,4)

4. Site of swimming for a sentimental type (6)

5. Sister mentioned theatre director Trevor (4)

6. Southern guy’s first to consume a good spirit in decline? (7)

7. Agents with goods provoked tourist bids? About right (12)

10. Attractive European, say, not bothered by man with detective (4,2,3,3)

13. Something produced by stress in a real den possibly (10)

15. Turn over poor flatfish (3)

18. Prohibition over period for a list of peers (8)

20. Release group without charge (3,4)

22. Brings out priest fronting appeal among depleted churchgoers (7)

23. Decorate jacket for badge on part of ship (6)

26. Record kept in ground is conserved (4)