Credit Churchill for defending the Channel (5)

I believe the answer is:

ditch

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'the channel' is the definition.
(a small channel or trench in the ground)

'credit churchill for defending' is the wordplay.
'DITCH' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ditch that I've seen before include "Jettison" , "Moat" , "Trench, dike" , "Abandon; one dug" , "Forsake" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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