Fletcher Raiders

The Fletcher Raiders drum and bugle corps was originally formed in 1952 as the Robert O. Fletcher American Legion AL Post 4 of Norwich.

The corps entered the field of competition in 1952 and remained competitive until 1956, when the junior corps reorganized as a senior unit under the same name. By 1960, the junior unit was reactivated and renamed the Fletcher Raiders as members of the Yankee circuit. In 1961, the junior Raiders place 6^th in the Yankee “Class A” championships, 7^th in 1963 & 10^th in 1965. The group remained active as a parade unit during the alternate years (1962, 1964 & 1966) and over the next 3 seasons participated in the preliminary round of the 1967 Yankee “Class AI” contest, won the 1968 “Class AII” title & placed 2^nd in the 1969 “Class AI” division.

The Fletcher Raiders performed in the 1970 World Open “Class A” prelims, where they finished in 36^th position and as new members of the Greater New York (GNY) circuit, placed 9^th. The 1971 GNY championship edition was cancelled due to inclement weather as the corps finished 8^th & 9^th respectively in 1972 & 1973 contests. The group went on to compete as members of the Northeast circuit over their last 2 seasons, finishing 16^th & 14^th in the 1974 & 1975 preliminary rounds.

They disbanded in 1976.

Paul Legault (DCX)