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.