 He joined the Royal Navy in the latter stages of the First World War, based at the admiralty, and in December 1919 he gained the rank of paymaster sub-lieutenant, antedated to September 1917.Glenister played first-class cricket for the Royal Navy, making his debut against the British Army cricket team at Lord's in 1924.He played first-class cricket for the Royal Navy until 1929, making five appearances.