The Spectator 2592 - Doc (Still In The Dark With Uncle Victor )

[Matakari]

Good morning, Doc’s Uncle Victor is still tricking me. I am seeking a confirmation for the following Unclueds to ensure that I’m on the right track, thanks.
24a ?BOE ( OBOE )
31a ITE? ( ITEM )
37a ?AKE?

5d ECH?
15d ?ELT?
36d I?DI?
38d ?OLF
The other Unclueds seem quite obvious, but I’m still in the dark as to what to look for.

[klazomaniac]

All are correct.

Think Army

[klazomaniac]

Don't forget the preamble.

6 x themeword used to be
5 x themeword is in use today

[Tilly2]

Nato.

[klazomaniac]

Were of a kind = Used to be
Now = In use today

[klazomaniac]

As an extra hint Matakari.

Uncle (if included) could be an across answer
and
Victor (if included) could be a down answer

[Matakari]

I'm grateful for the massive hints, Klazomaniac and Tilly2! Without them I would still have been lost. I see now how neatly Doc's title fits in with the end game!

[Neveracrossword]

Glad you're finished, Matakari. You might have better luck, and might enjoy more, this week's Private Eye puzzle.

[klazomaniac]

I've only been doing these a few weeks.
I turn to the title and preamble once I'm stuck. It can be easy to forget what you had read before you had started and then got engrossed in the Crossword. But the subtle hints from both can give good direction.
Give it a go in the future, It just might help.

Glad you got there Matakari. :-)

[Matakari]

Thanks again, Klazomaniac, I see what you mean. I juggled with the title, but did not seem to google it right...I look for better luck next time. And thanks for the Private Eye crossword, NACW, I'll have a go at it.

[Neveracrossword]

Klazo, it's great that you have taken so well - and are doing so well - with the Spectator crosswords. We get little gems every now and then... and the odd damp squib.*

*One person's 'damp squib' may be classed as 'a real treat' by others, of course!

[klazomaniac]

Thank you NAC for inspiring me to have a look at Private eye. I have just downloaded the Lite programme to download and I'm now in possession of the print off. Going to give it a go now. :-)

[klazomaniac]

Very enjoyable puzzle. It seems you have got me hooked on two new crosswords. :-)

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks again, Klazo - I wish I was on commission!
I don't know if you've tried Enigmatic Variations/EV in the Sunday Telegraph or Inquisitor in the 'i' on Saturdays? Those are both thematic, with a wide range of themes, difficulty levels etc.

[klazomaniac]

Thank you NAC for the heads up on the other two. My weekend social life is hectic enough. And as a rule I work away from home. It just happens that at the moment I have free time during the week. And with the extra two crosswords you have got me into on top of all my other regular fixes, I'm full to capacity with puzzles. But if and when I feel I have the time, I just might go and purchase one (or both) and see how I do. Thanks again. :-)

[klazomaniac]

As for the commission, I'll have a drink for you tonight ;-)

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks again, Klazo - and good to know that you might tackle the other new (to you) puzzles. Some kind AB person posts a link to EV on Sundays, around lunchtime I think.

[FreyaBee]

Just a query re rhe unclueds. I have a total of 9 (5 old and 4 in use today). I see Klazo has posted 6 and 5 . Have I missed a couple ?

[FreyaBee]

I have just found 2 more across ! ;-)