The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 16 letter word STRETCHER-BEARER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!

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.
Crossword Answer definitions
STRETCHER-BEARER noun- A person who carries, or helps to carry, injured or dead people on a stretcher.