In Wankln's absence, the BBC had broadcast news of the Victoria Cross award on 11 December. Wanklyn's wife and son, Ian, were presented with the award at the home of her parents in Meigle. Her husband's achievements and records came as shock since all his letters were censored for security reasons. Many newspapers used his picture and interview with the Times of Malta, made earlier in the year, to draw on his account of the sea war. Wanklyn's reserved nature permitted him only to say that he was "exhilarated" by the news. When asked what was most needed in submarine warfare for success, he replied, "That's a nasty one, so I will use a long word: Imperturbability". Wanklyn only became expansive in describing the crew's debt to their cook, an able seaman, who was essential for the crew's welfare. The award was the seventh to be bestowed upon a member of the navy, but the first to the submarine service. On 31 December Wanlyn put to sea again. He fired three torpedoes at a merchant ship off Cape Gallo but all missed and one exploded upon hitting the shore. West of Palermo on 4 January 1942, Upholder engaged the Italian merchant Sirio. The first two torpedoes failed, and one fell to the sea bed and exploded under Upholder causing no serious damage. Closing to 1,000 yards, Wanklyn ordered two more firings. One torpedo struck amidships. The heavily damaged vessel stopped to lower some lifeboats, but then continued on. Wanklyn surfaced to destroy her with the deck gun but was forced under again when the ship returned fire with deck armament. Sirio soon picked up speed and escaped. The following night off Messina, Wanklyn attacked an enemy submarine with his last torpedo. His victim, the Ammiraglio Saint, was lost. The men standing on the conning tower survived: Lieutenant Como, Petty Officer and Telegraphist Valentino Chico and Torpedoman Ernst Fiore. They were willing to identify their boat to their captors and described their vessel as a 1,500 ton submarine. Wanklyn made for port. On the journey the submarine was attacked by Junkers Ju 88s which landed bombs 200 yards off the vessel's starboard quarter. Once docked, Wanklyn was ordered on a months leave. Commander Pat Norman took command of her for a patrol during which he sank the armed trawler Aosta on 8 February. On 21 February 1942 Wanklyn took command again.