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I've just spotted the alias used by his wife (7 letters in another row) and together they total 16 letters. Is it just the wording in the preamble that is confusing me?

Her true self can be found in a thematically pertinent manner. Good luck!

Thanks Hugh. 7 down is pertinent to me now!!

Glad you got there in the end Gitto. The puzzle was very tricky but definitely worth it in the end I thought. Getting the message was a serious breakthrough.

Argh. I’m at about 50% solved, a miracle in itself.

How do we know where they go in the grid? Trial and error?

The slow progress is driving me mad. It’s lucky the weather is rotten and there’s nothing else to do.

The seven letter 1d, as at post #7 should get you started?
I'm long done!

Ha. Got that whole left side in now, just had to take the plunge. Took a chance on “waving a blunt end” 😆

Any clues re the very last clue, “damp covering base…”?

Thanks. I paid £2 for this paper and I’m damned if I’m giving up 😆

Fighting talk! The replacement letter is an 'e' if that helps. First letter 'y' 👍

One letter base at the very end, preceded by three letter word for examine, check, surrounded by an extremely obscure old two letter word for that. You’ll think that can’t be a word, but it’s in Chambers. Answer is a name.