The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 2 letter word EX
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
X
More clues leading to the result EX
- Mexican verse about old soldier?
- From collection of old politician, by chance not complete
- Like a veteran’s relations heading off to Mass
- Ordinary member in cut coming back earnestly
- One now free, having defected from Tory party?
- I may get by once free outside
- Unlisted? Former partner and board member, number unknown?
- Old time-server is political turncoat perhaps
- Prisoner who was 90 kept in a very long time
- More than one bookplate collector is touring house no end
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "old soldier?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case old soldier? = ex.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EX mean?
EX noun- The name of the Latin-script letter X.
- To delete; to cross out
- A former partner or spouse, usually short for ex-girlfriend, ex-boyfriend, ex-wife or ex-husband.
- Ex-, former, previously but no longer.
- (of a train) the place the train originated from or called at prior to the present location.
- Expensive, dear