CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

15, 735

Across

6. Became aware of job in Royal Mail service (10,4) 9. Harry Mackenzie’s losing skin – because of this? (6) 10. Fruit, initially blue, Beryl Reid regularly stewed (8) 11. Those in trouble left railway tavern (8) 13. Carried back European to get dressed for ceremony (6) 15. Sign of shame, first of two in Sophocles character (6) 17. Graduates from university in Milan possibly (6) 19. Pinched German cake trainee’s forgotten (6) 20. Men only put in reduced bid not seen by audience (8) 22. Tribute in French company? Mother receives one (8) 24. Lawman making no attempt to defend American (6) 26. What famished people do in army training facilities? (7,7)

Down

1. Rare minerals affected rock group (8,6) 2. Check out feel-good factor on way up (4) 3. Attack a small yacht (6) 4. Disorderly London road, as some snootily call it? (4-4) 5. It’s used to fence group of sheep, expertly reared (4) 7. English doctor tracks first sign of owl, immature one (6) 8. C leaner getting rid of undergrowth (9,5) 12. Sound of bird around harbour would create excitement (5) 14. Cancel terms of employment (5) 16. Bloke accepts new raised offer for half of bill (8) 18. Joker covers spades in space (6) 21. Brief uproar involving university no good for growth (6) 23. Cricket ground starts to offer value-added luxury (4) 25. Small drunkard upset cast (4)