The unclued lights (individually or one pair) are of a kind. But, before entry into the grid, all but one has to be adapted figuratively speaking, so that one or two characters appear in an unchecked square.
 

Across

 
4    Most Britons could become members of a band (11)

11    I’ll join regiment under canvas, on the move (7)

13    Was boisterous – I’ll return, danced around (9)

14    Animal, one with fur on (5)

16    Dirty article removed for relation (5)

19    Aim is to keep safe, that’s for certain (7)

21    In torpid lethargy (4)

23    Danced the night away in hell with secondary pupil (7)

24    Oddly, team lack cosmetic preparation (4)

31    Even parts of unsacred aromatic plant … (4)

32    … damage side petal of African rue (7)

34    Region of the Near East (4)

35    Talk about watching, ignoring the time (7, hyphened)

37    The Scots 5 at quick departure, we’re told (5)

41    Hear tune varied round end of dreary Weber opera (9)

42    Hostel superintendent’s WW2 hide-away (6)

43    Spoil half the county’s borders (7)

44    Bits such as 5, 7 and 9 along with omega and zed (11, three words)

 

Down

 
1    Publicise new tramline for transport interchange (11, two words)

5    Bar bird (4)

6    Some initiation ceremony from the past (4)

8    Include new species of atom (7)

9    Vanguard from this company with small regimental flags (9)

10    To agree – completely (7)

15    Friend – or doubly so (5)

17    Wild cat is no sport, we’re told (7)

18    Attempt to out-think after first thought? (11, hyphened)

20    Part of the river Tay, sure to be involved (7)

22    When red is flickering, pull back and pay no attention (9)

26    Old money from mendicant. Not half! (5)

27    Italian chap starts to amuse and delight a lot of passengers (7)

28    Team taking tea outside, besides (7)

29    Round and round and round! (7)

36     Osier willow on the side of yard (5)

38    One boy loses his head for this fellow’s daughter in the cinema (4)

39    Could be a club’s racing programme (4)

 
A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 19 August. There are two runners-up prizes of £20. (UK solvers can choose to receive the latest edition of the Chambers dictionary instead of cash – ring the word ‘dictionary’.) Entries to: Crossword 2419, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.

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