As a Halton apprentice of 1969 vintage I was taught the following ;
If a funeral courtage passes whilst you are in uniform you are to face the courtage, stand to attention and salute. If in civilian clothing face the courtage and stand to attention, without the salute.
It's about paying respect chaps, not about "full military honours". None of these victims will be given an honour guard, or firing party salute at their funerals, and as I recall, the coffins were not draped in the union flag.
I'm sure, the seriously wounded, who came home on the previous C17, were grateful for the security of being in the care of such proffesional servicemen, and will express that when they are well enough. It's obvious that many are concerned that in some way this intrudes in to the respect shown for our fallen servicemen of recent years, I don't believe it's so. It's an example of how our service can bring comfort and security to our fellow countrymen, whether civilian or military.
Smudge