I don't believe that JJ was put up for a knighthood on the basis of his war service but on his subsequent activities- through the accident of longevity (not something he could have expected given his life history) he has spent many years in charitable works & as an ambassador for Bomber Command. Having met him he is a top bloke & using his last days productively.
I would be interested in the minutes of the meeting where they judged him not worthy & then looked over the recommendation for Ken Dodd.....