He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallant actions on 17 November 1917 aboard HMS Caledon at the Second Battle of Heligoland Bight, Germany, which led to his death.

I buried him at sea and he had a very impressive funeral, attended by all his shipmates and the commander.In June 1918, Carless's parents received his posthumous VC from King George V. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.

He not only set a very inspiring and memorable example, but he also, whilst mortally wounded, continued to do effective work against the King's enemies.The Walsall public raised money for the erection of a memorial in his home town.

A bronze bust was created by Wolverhampton-based Robert Jackson Emerson (1878–1944) mounted on a large plinth of Portland stone, outside Walsall Museum (at 52°35′09″N 1°58′45″W / 52.585906°N 1.979087°W / 52.585906; -1.979087), Lichfield Street.

On 20 February 1920 it was unveiled by Admiral Sir Walter Cowan, whose flagship had been HMS Caledon, and the ship's white ensign was presented to Walsall's mayor at the time.

[7][2] In December 2009, a memorial plaque to Carless and two other recipients of the Victoria Cross, James Thompson and Charles George Bonner, was unveiled at Walsall Town Hall.