SOLUTION TO PRIZE CROSSWORD No 15,571:

ACROSS: 6 Reconnaissance. 9 Osprey. 10 Heraldry. 11 Trotters. 13 Assist. 15 Franco. 17 Deform. 19 Bronze. 20 Increase. 22 Entrench. 24 Oilcan. 26 German shepherd. DOWN: 1 Cross-reference. 2 Scar. 3 Enzyme. 4 Username. 5 Bail. 7 Aghast. 8 Christmas cards. 12 Twain. 14 Scone. 16 Cleaning. 18 Eighth. 21 Choppy. 23 Rump. 25 Lees.