Halton brat.
What a splendid summing-up.
The smug and dismissive attitude towards older veterans and survivors of Cold War flying is distasteful.
Whenurhappy
I can only speak reference Cold War Mud-Moving but I suggest you compare accident and death rates in the 70s and 80s with what has gone on in the Fast Jet world since GW1. Low Level training in the prevailing crummy weather (Yes, we flew regularly in weather below Low Flying limits), was moderately dangerous, with an associated butcher's bill. There was a lot of flying going on.
You do a disservice to all of my comrades who died carrying out their duty during that period, and yes - not one of them wore a medal.