 McGlinn worked hard to improve the quality of the brigade's defences, and the rule of thumb became that a trench had to be wide enough for McGlinn to walk down without touching the sides.McGlinn was acting commander of the 4th Brigade on Imbros from 17 October to 8 November, while Monash was in Egypt.For his services at Gallipoli, McGlinn was twice mentioned in despatches and was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).