The ships were also used outside their minesweeping duties as patrol vessels, tugs, and personnel and cargo transports.

The strength of the hull was demonstrated when Valerian fought the 1926 Havana–Bermuda hurricane for five hours on 22 October, 1926, before being driven over by a squall and foundering off Bermuda.

In his report to the Court Martial held at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, her Captain, Commander W. A.

As the ship balanced on the crest, or fell into the trough, it seemed as if she must break her back and it speaks very well of her construction that she withstood these stresses so well.

So far no damage had been done to the hull or fittings.Six vessels were ordered in January 1916, and another two in September 1916, all to this design from British shipyards for the French Navy, and all were delivered to France in 1916 or (the last pair) 1917: