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Home , Bipin Rawat, Chushul, Line of Actual Control, Rezang La, Shaitan Singh, Siachen Glacier

No. 11/2019 AN PUBLICATION November 2019 BATTLE OF 18 NOVEMBER 1962

n epic battle was fought between of their trenches and engaged the enemy in hand ‘C’ of l3 KUMAON to hand combat, before attaining martyrdom. Acommanded by Late Shaitan After capturing two Platoons, while the enemy Singh, PVC and thousands of invading troops of was regrouping to attack the third Platoon and People`s Liberation Army on 18 November 1962 Company Headquarters, Naik Sahi Ram waited at Rezang La, about 19 miles South of Village for the Chinese to assemble before opening up , guarding the South-East approach to the Light Machine Gun & killing several Chinese Chushul Valley in . soldiers. Major resited rest of the Light Machine Guns which kept firing until they The attack on Rezang La was launched on were silenced. The gallant Company Commander 18 November 1962. A patrol from ‘C’ Company received two bursts of Machine Gun fire in his detected the Chinese in their Forward Assembly arm and abdomen while moving from bunker to Area at 0400 hours. The first wave of attack came bunker raising morale of his men and continued to at 0500 hours, which was beaten back with heavy fight despite being seriously wounded. The enemy enemy casualties. On failure of their first attack, was finally stalled at Rezang La. It was due to the the Chinese pounded Rezang La with heavy endless courage, bravery and fighting capability of Artillery and Mortar fire of high intensity. Under the ‘Veer Ahirs’. covering fire, the Chinese launched their second wave on two platoons simultaneously but the The Battalion sacrificed 114 heroes which intensity of own fire forced them to abandon the included one officer and two Junior Commissioned attacks. The Chinese then attacked a platoon from Officers, who preferred to die fighting than the West. Due to numerical superiority and fire surrender even an inch of their motherland. The power, the position fell in the hands of advancing Battalion became the proud recipient of Battle Chinese troops. All men died in their trenches Honour `REZANG LA’ and Theatre Honour including the medical orderly Sepoy Dharam `LADAKH’. Subsequently, ‘C’ Company was re- Pal Dahaiya, who was found holding a morphine raised & rechristened as ‘Rezang La Company’ in syringe and a bandage in his hand. The Chinese 1963. The Company Commander, Major Shaitan continued advancing towards the depth section Singh was awarded the Param Veer Chakra position on Top where a dozen Ahirs jumped out posthumously.

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened”

2 Baatcheet November 2019 November 2019 From the Editor’s Desk astern Command covers the largest area encompassing eight states overseeing 63% Eof the land borders of our Country. The area of responsibility includes borders with five countries which is unique in itself. Due to its strategic location guarding the Eastern frontiers, the Command is at the forefront of the 'Act-East policy'. The Command theatre stretches from the icy heights of to the dense jungles of North East and the plains of and Bengal each offering a unique challenge in terms of operations. The vagaries of nature coupled with contrasting extreme climates enhance the challenges for the Battle of Rezang la - 18 November 1962...... 2 soldier on ground. However, notwithstanding the Chief’s Page...... 4 inclement weather conditions, In Focus...... 5 has steadfastly undertaken its duty of guarding the vast frontiers, thereby providing security to the Snippets...... 6-7 Nation. Eastern Command has also done the Nation Eastern Command ...... 8-9 proud by spearheading the Liberation of , achieving a decisive victory against in the J&K Diary...... 10 1971 War. North East Diary...... 11 At present, alongwith its conventional task, Communique...... 12 the Command is leading highly successful counter insurgency operations in the volatile of the Welfare and Empowerment ...... 13 North East. Troops and units of the Command are Training...... 14 involved in Operation Rhino in Assam, Operation Sports and Adventure...... 15 Orchid in Nagaland and Operation Hifazat in . In addition to maintaining peace and Regimental Celebrations...... 16 stability in the , the Command is involved at every level for meaningful changes in the lives of the people through Operation Sadbhavana and CONTACT FOR QUERIES Operation Samaritan which have left a deep impact Publisher : Additional Directorate , on the lives of the local population. Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) Office : B-30, South Block, - 110011 Be it war, counter insurgency, humanitarian Tele : Off - 23018665, 33332/33249 assistance, disaster relief operations or as the last Indian Army Website : www.indianarmy.nic.in or bastion to restore law and order; the Command has www.indianarmy.gov.in acquitted itself in an exemplary manner reinforcing Facebook : www.facebook.com/indianarmy.adgpi the Nation’s faith in the Indian Army. Twitter : www.twitter.com/adgpi Editor Baatcheet Email : [email protected] ADG PI : [email protected] Brig PI : [email protected] (IO) : [email protected] Colonel (Media) : [email protected] Colonel (Social Media) : [email protected] Webmaster IA : [email protected] Contact No : 011-23018665, 33332 33249 (ASCON) Printer : Xtreme Office Aids (Pvt.) Ltd, N D-46 Ph : 011-45627583

Baatcheet November 2019 3 We request our readers to send good quality, high resolution photographs for cover page of Baatcheet. CHIEF’S PAGE

General , COAS released commemorative On the occasion of 73rd Infantry Day, General Bipin postal stamps on ‘Siachen Warrior’ on 26 October 19 at Rawat laid wreath at the National War Memorial in Manekshaw Centre, Delhi to pay tributes to the great Delhi, to honour the fallen soldiers sacrifices made by Indian Army in Siachen

General Bipin Rawat flagged off ‘The Ultimate Run’ in New Delhi on 19 October 19, conducted to honour Next of Kin (NOK) & disabled soldiers and felicitated battle casualties, NOK and ASHA school children. Thousands of serving and retired officers, JCOs & OR with their families whole heartedly participated in various categories of run & walk, which included 1.2 km Angel Run for NOK and battle casualties

During his official visit, General Bipin Rawat, COAS called on His Excellency Mr Ibrahim Md Solih, Hon'ble President of Republic of . The President hailed Indo-Maldives enduring friendship, commended joint efforts of both Armed Forces at enhancing, revitalizing bilateral defence cooperation. The COAS handed over range of vehicles and military spares to the Chief of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). These equipment will enhance the operational & functional efficiency of MNDF

4 Baatcheet November 2019 In focus INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE COOPERATION Defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of ’s diplomatic efforts and the Indian Army has remained in the forefront of these endeavours. Three major joint exercises were conducted in the month of October 2019.

Exercise KAZIND 2019 : Indo– (14 days long joint training based on counter terrorist operations from 05 -17 October 2019)

Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT : Indo-Mongolia (14 days long exercise based on counter terrorism operations under UN mandate : 05-18 October 2019)

Exercise EKUVERIN 2019 : Indo-Maldives (Based on counter terrorism operations in semi-urban environment from 07-20 October 2019)

Baatcheet November 2019 5 snippets

Army Commander’s Conference was conducted at New Delhi from 14-19 October 19. Raksha Mantri Shri and General Bipin Rawat, COAS addressed the Army Commanders and Staff. To ensure due diligence, decisions are taken through collegiate system comprising Army Commanders and senior officers.

On the eve of 73rd Infantry Day on 26 October The white water rafting expedition ‘Rudrashila’ was 19, General SK Saini, Southern Army flagged in by General Officer Commanding Konark Commander inaugurated a Light and Sound Show at Corps at on 25 October 19. The expedition National War Memorial, and dedicated it to the team spread awareness amongst locals on current citizens of Pune. The inaugural show was witnessed by social issues of ‘Swachh Bharat’ and ‘Preservation of a host of civil & military dignitaries and veterans. River Eco-Systems’.

Lieutenant General Elias Martins Filho, MONUSCO 49 students and nine teachers of Kendriya Vidyalaya Force Commander conferred coveted Unit Citation Sangathan visited Suratgarh Military Station on 09 to Headquarters 301 Infantry Group & October 19 under a pilot project 'SEEMA DARSHAN' INDBATT-II for maintaining peace in the region. initiated by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. During the visit, students witnessed demonstration on various Army equipment and were encouraged to join the Armed Forces. 6 Baatcheet November 2019 snippets

Indo-Russian defence cooperation saw a new high Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri celebrated with the visit of a Russian Artillery delegation led by Diwali with Army personnel guarding the Line of Lieutenant General Bakaneev Sergey Anatolyevich, Control in Rajouri District of Jammu and on Commandant Mikhailovskaya Artillery Military 27 October 19. Academy to School of Artillery, Devlali. They were briefed on various training aspects.

Indian Army Peacekeepers supported & led Ex Serviceman Rally for veterans & Veer Naris was a peace march at Malakal in South Sudan. organised by Pine Division & HQ Pashchim UP Sub The initiative recognizes the efforts of those who have Area at on 13 October 19. Large number of worked hard to end conflict & promote peace in South veterans & Veer Naris were provided assistance. Sudan.

Troops of Indian Army and with an aim A Memorandum of Understanding between Yes Bank to spread environmental awareness and importance & Indian Army has been signed at New Delhi on 23 of planting trees organised Tree Plantation Drive at October 19 to provide quality banking services to Baguri & Dekargaon in Nagaon & Sonitpur Districts serving and retired personnel. of Assam on 26 October 19.

Baatcheet November 2019 7 Eastern Command

Rising Sun Crest • Eastern Command has the Rising Sun on its Coat of Arms. • The symbol of Rising Sun epitomises the Command's responsibility for protecting the eastern frontiers of the country as “Warriors of the East”. • It heralds the golden rays of the Rising Sun signifying Major Operations that the glory of Eastern Command will never diminish. PARTICIPATION IN OPERATIONS POST - INDEPENDENCE BRIEF HISTORY • Sino- Indian War of 1962 Headquarters Eastern Command was raised in • Indo – Pak War of 1971 1920 (pre – independence) at Nainital with • Operation Rhino in Assam territorial jurisdiction over Delhi, UP, Bengal, • Operation Orchid in Nagaland Bihar, and Assam. • Operation Hifazat in Manipur Thereafter owing to operational commitments the Command Headquarters shifted to Barrackpore, Ranchi and Lucknow. Finally the Command settled down in its present location of Fort William, Kolkata in the immediate

MILITARY DIPLOMACY - 2019 • Series of Joint Exercises with friendly foreign countries have been conducted by Eastern Command which are as follows:- • Ex Sampriti with Bangladesh in February 2019 • Ex Maitree with Thailand in September 2019 • Ex Dharma Guardian with Japan in October 2019 • Other than these, Eastern Command conducts routine & ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES ceremonial BPMs with PLA at the designated locations. • Indo – Bangladesh Joint White Water Rafting Expedition from 17- 21 March 19 • Third Indo - Bangladesh Joint Cycling Expedition from 18- 26 March 19

8 Baatcheet November 2019 Eastern Command

Role • Responsible for ensuring security and territorial integrity of the nation by guarding the LAC in the states of and . • Carryout counter insurgency operations in the insurgency prone areas of North Eastern States.

wake of the Sino - Indian Conflict. Lt General KM Cariappa, OBE was the first Indian General-Officer–Commanding in Chief who took over the reins of the Eastern Command in Nov 1947. Fd Marshal , Padam Vibhushan, Padam Bhushan, MC also commanded the Eastern theatre in 1964.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RELIEF • Evacuation of 3000 Stranded tourists in Sikkim in December 2018 and January 2019 • Flood relief in Tripura in June 2019 • Flood Relief in Assam in June- July 2019

• Nari Shakti Patrol– all Women team patrolling in the Himalayas in August 2019

Baatcheet November 2019 9 Jammu and Kashmir diary

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh dedicated to the Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, Northern Army Nation 'COL CHHEWANG RINCHEN SETU', a Commander accompanied by Regional President 430m long bridge on River in Eastern Ladakh AWWA attended Sangam Youth Festival at Bhadarwah constructed by BRO. COAS alongwith Northern and appreciated the motivation, enthusiasm & talent of Army Commander and DGBR were present for the participants. More than 1500 students from 32 colleges ceremony. participated in the event.

A rally was organised at Udhampur on 05 October 19, Border Personnel Meet was conducted on 02 October wherein 400 veterans & NOKs present were assured 19 on the occasion of Chinese National Day at DBO- of organisational support. On the spot redressal by TWD meeting point of Eastern Ladakh. Delegations of concerned agencies & medical camp was organised. both countries reaffirmed their commitment towards enhancing existing cordial relations & maintaining peace & tranquillity along the .

Cycling Expedition from Bakloh, Chinar Corps organised educational cum awareness to Dugga, J & K via Padrigali was flagged off by the tour for Kashmiri students of Degree College, General Officer Commanding, Dah Division on 09 Handwara to Delhi & Agra from 10-16 October 19. October 19. Team covered a distance of 246 kms across Students visited premier educational institutes & challenging terrain & adverse climatic conditions. heritage sites and interacted with academicians & senior officers. 10 Baatcheet November 2019 NORTH EAST DIARY

Army and Assam Rifles troops rescued more than 300 A ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting between stranded families on 27 October 19 after flood waters of the border troops of Indian Army & 's People's Diphu and Dhansiri rivers submerged several colonies Liberation Army was held at ‘Bum La' in Arunachal & villages at Dimapur in Nagaland. Pradesh on 27 October 19. The function involved extension of greetings, exchange of gifts and cultural programmes on the occasion of Diwali.

A Recruitment Rally was organised at Chungthang, A 20 member cycling team embarked on a 1500 km Sikkim from 16 to 18 October 19. Thousands of young long challenging mountain terrain cycling expedition aspirants turned up to participate in the rally and across Arunachal Pradesh on 25 October 19 to promote expressed their gratitude for the genuine concern of the spirit of adventure, reach out to the local populace Army in providing them an employment opportunity. including school children, spread the message of peace, solidarity and national integration through 'Know Your Army' campaign.

A special event for ESM and Veer Naris was organised An Ex-Servicemen Rally was organised at Jagiroad on by 15 Assam Rifles on 15 October 19 coinciding with 05 October 19 in Morigaon, Assam. Stalls of Grievance 60 years of service to the nation. Veer Nari wife of Cell, ESM Data Updation Centre and Zila Sainik Board Rifleman Gopal Chand, (Posthumous) were set up to facilitate resolution of issues faced by paid homage to her gallant husband on the solemn the ESM. Many ESM and Veer Naris from adjoining occasion. areas benefitted from the same.

Baatcheet November 2019 11 ‘Our VETARANS Communique OUR RESPONSIBILITY’ NECESSARY ACTION TOWARDS CORRECT DOCUMENTATION AND ENTITLEMENTS (CHECK LIST FOR VETERANS AND NOK) A serving personnel retiring after completing terms of service is eligible for pension and other financial grants (Gallantry Awards, Disability etc). NoKs are also eligible for family pension, financial grants and benefits after the demise of the veteran. The check list below will serve as ready reckoner for Veterans & NoKs to assist them in correcting/completing their documentation and also claim the grants which they may not be availing. 1. Has the particulars of NoK been correctly notified in the PPO (Name, date of birth and relation) ? 2. Is the ESM any gallantry or distinguished Awardee? Has it been notified in the PPO? Is the gallantry award monetary allowance been granted to the ESM/NoK? Has the State Govt recognized the Award in terms of monetary benefit or allotment of land? 3. Has the ESM opened a joint pension account with his NoK? 4. Has the Part II Order of all children been published with correct name and date of birth? 5. In case of Death/Divorce of First Wife and subsequent re-marriage, has the Part II order been published and notified in the PPO? 6. Is the family getting liberalized/special/ordinary family pension as per the authorization? 7. Is the NoK getting enhanced rate of pension up to 10 years in case of death in harness and 07 years or 67 years in case of death after retirement? 8. In case of death after retirement, has the NoK claimed the Extended Insurance (EI) from AGIF? 9. If death of husband has been classified as Battle Casualty (BC), is children education grant being claimed from CW-3? (as the complete expenses are paid for by the Government ) 10. If death of husband has been classified as Physical Casualty (PC), is children education grant being claimed from ZSB and DIAV? 11. Is the pensioner including the NoK above 80 yrs of age getting additional pension (20% on attaining 80yrs, 30% on 85 yrs, 40% on 90yrs, 50% of 95 yrs and 100% on attaining 100 yrs of age)? 12. Has the pensioner declared his nominee in the bank account and Nominee for LTA? 13. In case of two pensions earned by the ESM, is the NoK getting the Dual Family Pension? 14. Has the OROP been correctly implemented by the PDA/Bank? 15. Is the pensioner/war widow availing all facilities/assistance being provided by KSB/ZSB/AG/AWWA? 16. Is there any orphan child in ESM family? Is the child getting all entitlements? 18. On the death of ESM, has the NoK claimed the ADLRS from the CSD and demise grant from ZSB/Records? 19. Has the primary membership of CSD/ECHS/ESM cards been changed on demise of pensioner? 20. In case of death in harness, has the NoK claimed financial benefits for eligible children for ongoing/higher studies and daughter marriage? 21. Is the son of deceased ESM eligible for recruitment /employment in Defence Forces? 22. Is the widow/NoK eligible and willing for employment/job? In case of death in harness, has the unit taken up case with line Directorate for compassionate employment for the NoK (if eligible)? 23. Has the WILL, if any, of the deceased ESM been executed legally and correctly? 24. Is there any ongoing financial dispute with the in-laws or related to property? 25. In case of ongoing divorce proceedings, is the wife getting maintenance allowance? (Lady to be advised to claim for maintenance allowance pending finalization of divorce) 26. In case the husband has divorced / remarried without consent of first wife, has any legal action been taken by the lady? 27. Has the widow (aged above 65 years) of a non-pensioner (upto rank) got adequate source of income to look after herself? (If not, she may be advised to claim monthly Penury grant from KSB) 28. In case of death in harness, has the NoK/widow applied for retention of government married accommodation to local Station HQ? 29. In case of an ongoing marital discord, has the lady got her ECHS and CSD smart card with her? (If not, she should be advised to immediately contact Col Veteran/Stn HQ to get the same made for herself and the eligible dependents at the earliest) 30. Has the pensioner got any handicapped child? If so, then has the child’s Part II order been published and case processed for notification in PPO? 31. Has the case been taken up for grant of pension to handicapped child after the death of pensioner/spouse? 32. Has a Guardian been nominated and a bank account opened in the name of the handicapped child under guardianship? 33. Is there any widowed/unmarried/divorced daughter of pensioner in ESM family? If so, has the Part II order been published for dependency and ECHS card made? 34. In case of death in harness due to accident/terrorist action, has the NoK claimed Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) from the bank within the stipulated period of 180 days? 12 Baatcheet November 2019 welfare and empowerment

In an event conducted by 31 Sub Area, equipment and In its continued effort to empower women, White furniture were presented to the students and staff of Knight Corps inaugurated a Women Empowerment School for Deaf and Dumb, Rambagh, Srinagar to cater Node at village Salbala in J & K. The Node will impart for future needs of the school. Mrs Taruna Chauhan, training to local women and thereafter provide means Chairperson FWO was the chief guest for the event. for self-employment.

INSPIRING VETERANS

Major Gopal Mitra, (Retired) Major Gopal Mitra, Sena Medal (Retired) was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1995 and served extensively in Counter Insurgency operations both in the North East and Kashmir. He was also engaged in active operations during the War in 1999. In 2000, he was severely injured while leading a ‘search and destroy’ operation in the Kupwara district of Kashmir, and suffered total visual impairment. He survived near-fatal injuries, 60 stitches across his face, several reconstructive surgeries and almost two years in the hospital. Major Mitra, however, chose to overcome these insurmountable odds and handicaps through steely resolve, grit and determination. The officer then went on to achieve greater heights when he set a record at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai by becoming the first blind student to top a post graduate course. He followed it up by successfully completing M.Sc. in Development Management at the prestigious London School of Economics with outstanding grades. This has once again proved the old adage: ‘Once a He is now working in the Children’s Soldier Always a Soldier’ even despite the unexpected Emergency Fund (UNICEF) as Programme Specialist turn of destiny. The bigger ‘Battle of Life’ can always be for disability. He is the first Indian with disabilities to won no matter what the circumstances are! occupy this key UNICEF post. Major Mitra is also an ardent campaigner of disability rights.

Baatcheet November 2019 13 ‘The aim of military training is not just to prepare TRAINING men for battle, but to make them long for it’

'Combat Team Training Capsule’ for Army' Passing Out Parade of 58 Gorkha Training Centre personnel has been conducted under the aegis of was held at Shillong. The Parade symbolises the ACC & S Ahmednagar. Myanmar Army personnel culmination of rigorous recruit training and have undergone systematic and graduated training transformation of raw recruit into a young soldier. culminating with full range of exploitation on In an impressive ceremony marked by immaculate operational equipment and manoeuvre exercise. turnout and precision marching, a total of 155 Recruits took ‘Oath of Affirmation’.

Lieutenant Colonel Swaroop Singh Kuntal completed Major Abdul Quadir Khan of Corps of Signals brought Ironman Malaysia in 12 hours and 14 minutes to laurels to the Indian Army by winning a Silver become fastest Indian finisher of full Ironman race. Medal at the prestigious 53rd Asian Body Building Ironman triathlon consists of 3.8 km of sea swimming, and Physique Sports Championship held at Batam, followed by 180 km of cycling and finally 42.2 km of Indonesia on 02 October 19. running.

Synergized firepower of fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, Armour, Artillery, Infantry & Air Defence platforms was showcased at Pokhran ranges under the aegis of Sudarshan Chakra Corps in an Integrated Fire Power Exercise. The exercise underscored Indian Army’s resolve to implement the integrated launch of Strike Corps in desert terrain using Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) along the Western Front.

14 Baatcheet November 2019 “Life begins at the end of Sports & adventure your comfort zone” Havildar Mohit Saini of Army Yachting Node, clinched Gold Medal in Laser Standard Class in Abu Dhabi Open Regatta held in Abu Dhabi from 17-19 October 19.

Subedar Anandan Gunasekaran, Athlete of MEG & Centre won three Gold Medals in 7th Military World Games 2019 conducted at Wuhan, China in 100 m, 200 m and 400 m events. He also qualified for Tokyo Olympics 2020 after winning a Gold medal in 200 m event in Handisport Open Paris 2019.

Mountaineering Expedition to Mount Trimukhi Corps of Signals Daredevils team gave a thrilling located at an altitude of 6422 m was undertaken by a 11 performance during motorcycle display at Dussehra member team of Indian Army. The team successfully Celebrations in Mysore on 08 October 19. The reached the summit on 14 October 19. spectacular show of agility, physical endurance and sportsmanship spellbound the august gathering.

Havildar Praveen Kumar of became the first Indian man Boxers of Indian Army Sports Institute won five to win a gold medal at the Wushu World Gold, two Silver and one Bronze medal in 4th Elite Championships. Praveen's phenomenal Men National Boxing Championship held from 03-11 feat came in the 48kg category in the men’s October 19. Havildar Naveen Boora was adjudged the sanda event of the 15th World Wushu best boxer in the event. Championships held in Shanghai, China on 23 October 19 .

Baatcheet November 2019 15 Regimental celebrations The Honourable , Shri interacted with fraternity at Rashtrapati Bhawan on the occasion of 70th Raising Day of Territorial Army on 09 October 19.

School of Artillery celebrated 100 years of its glorious foundation on 10 October 19. Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Honourable President of India graced the occasion and inaugurated ‘Rudranaad’ museum dedicated to the glorious and unique history of the School.

The Honourable President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind presented the ‘President’s Colours’ to the Army Aviation Corps during a grand Ceremonial Colour Presentation Parade held at the Combat Army Aviation Training School, Nashik on 10 October 19.

IMTRAT celebrated its 57th Raising Day at Haa. Prime Minister Lotay Tshering Bhutan and various other dignitaries graced the event along with local population. The event was an elegant blend of Indian and Bhutanese culture.

Gajraj Corps celebrated its 57th Raising Day at a function held at its headquarters in Tezpur, Assam on 04 October 19. The Corps was raised on 04 October 1962 in the midst of the India-China conflict and over the years has played a commendable role in both conventional and counter insurgency operations in the Eastern Theatre. Next Edition of Baatcheet will cover the theme 'Indo-Pak 1971 War Special' to celebrate 'Always Victorious-Indian Army'. 16 Baatcheet November 2019