Guardian Genius 256

[LeenaH]

I can't understand this crossword 

I have got answers to only 5 clues 

Viz. 9a,4d,15d,17d,20d

I know answers need to be modified before entry.  But since I don't have most answers don't know how to do this

Also is 1d an Indian oven starting with T? Why?

12a Is the answer a former secretary of State?

 

Please help

Thanks in advance 

[Neveracrossword]

LeenaH, the answers don't have to be modified - it's just the wordplay that 'indicates an extra letter'

1 Yes,  Tan+ doobrie is the thingummyjig. The 'e' isn't included ('mostly') and the 'b' is the extra letter.

[quinol]

1d yes tan -doori(G) ?,12a yes, I haven't got to the journey part yet

what is 9a please?

[JJ109]

Glean (pick up)

(e)agle cycling = glea + N(orth)

[quinol]

many thanks jj

[LeenaH]

The clue to 27a is

Dark brown ox and small horse lose their heads (5)

My crossers are E---F

But there are no words in this combination 

Also is 16a second word starting with P?

Is Ans to 24a Twitchiest?

Please help

Thanks 

[JJ109]

Ebony = (z)eb(u) + (p)ony

The U of zebu is the extra letter

[JJ109]

16a 2nd word does start with P

24 yes twitchiest,

The Y of White City is the extra letter

[LeenaH]

I don't think the answers need to be entered as they are. 

The missing letters sequentially give an instruction. I got it partly :

Select every number  -------- order

The 8 dashes may be more than one word.

 

At the end the instructions refer to a release 50 years ago this month. Also that final entries are all real words or names

Please help. Thanks 

 

[Neveracrossword]

Leenah, I maybe should have said that the answers don't need to be modified, although some letters will change when you follow the instruction.

All you're missing is '(number)ed cell in (order).