The response to notice in the Echo.

The response was overwhelming. Lord Derby later recalled it as the Great Gathering. There were so many in attendance that Lord Derby had to make two addresses during which he first used the phrase Pals, which was to become synonymous with the Great War.

Lord Derby addresses the meeting:

"This should be a battalion of Pals, a battalion in which friends from the same office will fight shoulder to shoulder for the honour of Britain and the credit of Liverpool.

I don't ask you to uphold Liverpool's honour it would be an insult to think that you could do anything but that, but I do thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming here tonight and showing what is the spirit of Liverpool, a spirit that should spread through every City and Town in the Kingdom.

You have given a noble example in coming forward. You are certain to give a noble example on the field of battle."