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This memorial ('The Response'), in the grounds of St Thomas’ Church, was commissioned by Sir George Renwick, a local ship owner and MP for Morpeth, to commemorate the raising of the Territorial Battalions of the Northumberland Fusiliers by the Chamber of Commerce, the safe return of his five sons from the war. The 'Commercials', as they became known, were among the 'Pals' battalions raised early in the war. The memorial was unveiled on 5 July 1923 by the Prince of Wales.

The memorial comprises a granite screen wall on a rusticated plinth with a raised curved centrepiece. The plinth projects to support an impressive bronze sculptural group by Sir William Goscombe John RA. The bronze group comprises dozens of highly detailed figures, those in front marching in step with two drummer boys and those behind tarrying to bid farewell to wives, children and friends. This remembers the massing of the 5th Northumberland Fusiliers in April 1915, and their march from their camp at Gosforth, down the Great North Road and through Newcastle to its Central Station. The battalion’s route was lined with well-wishers, parents, wives and children; some cheering, some weeping. A trumpeting angel soars above the advancing group, breaking the skyline of the screen wall. A front slab carries the bas relief inscription:
NON SIBI SED PATRIE (not for self but for country)
THE RESPONSE 1914

The memorial is Grade I-listed (List Entry Number: 1186201 Link Historic England).