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Loge's explanation makes perfect sense once you identify the letters that appear to be 'touched' and the letters that have been. Cracking puzzle with a real lol PDM! For once I even think I understand the puzzle title.
Only one? re 18d and that's the casualty at Gettysburg. The only likely candidate I can find died of cancer of the tongue and seems more involved with Little Big Horn.

Gettysburg just signifies you need an American term, Granama1.

Ah, thanks Loge. All becomes clear. I do now know a lot more about the American civil war and one chap in particular than I did before!

All done apart from some bits of parsing to mull over...... except 16d. I just can't see it at all. Obviously I have the first two and last two letters but that's all. I'd appreciate a hint please so that I can put this enjoyable puzzle to bed. Thanks.

simond9x, the clue works in a similar way to 39a ..

16d is thematic - 6 letter word for a shallow plate [swap the 'c' for 'g'].

Ah, yes - thanks lordbadger. All done now.

Is anyone familiar with the relevant song by the Hollies? It's been going through my head the last couple of days.

What a splendid, witty puzzle - worth persevering with.

Thank you eXtent!