Speccie 2297

[Farrwest]

39a is a clue in italics which means it is a cryptic indication of a partial answer which must be placed in the grid in accordance with instructions which I know. I also know the answer (ten letters) but am unable to parse the clue which is 'Lecturer with unfinished commission retiring. Can anyone help?

[Neveracrossword]

I think the non-thematic part of the answer is a 7 letter word meaning 'commission', with the last letter removed - then reversed (retiring) and add L for lecturer.

[Neveracrossword]

I'm sure you've got the L at the beginning of the reversed, shortened word - my post might not have made that clear. The seven-letter word is a variation of a longer, more common word.

[Farrwest]

Thanks Neveracrossword. You're dead right - as usual!

[Neveracrossword]

Glad I could help - I had to work this out for myself yesterday. My explanations are not always the best!