The 4th Brigade landed at Anzac Cove on the evening of 25 April 1915. The brigade took over the critical left centre of the line. 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).