Chappie,
My condolences for your loss, whoever/whenever it was....!!!!
Most politicians wont give a rats harris who your family member was, as long as they get the vote for now, not what happens in next conflict....
The MOD/RAF as with any employer has a duty of care....
As Crown Exemption was lost several years ago....
Under Freedom of Information Act you should be able to find this out if no-one here knows the exact year...