My dad never talked about the war, and never once wore his medals. He served in the Royal Navy from 1935 to 1946. He was very scornful of Remembrance Sunday. He never went out at all on that day. I asked him many times why he took that stance, and his only reply was "Nah". So there we are folks! I hardly knew about his war service. Hardly at all.
So Capt. Tom deserves his knighthood just for his war service in my opinion. However, I think it's sad that the charities who benefitted from his walk, did so from the efforts of 100 yr old veteran. The govt should hold it's head in shame. Instead, they give him a knighthood for doing what they should have done in the first place.