The ship took part in operations in the Baltic during the Russian Civil War in the winter of 1919–1920, before entering a long period of reserve.

[2] 515 long tons (523 t) of oil fuel were carried, giving a range of 4,290 nautical miles (7,950 km; 4,940 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

[9][11] After commissioning, Grenville joined the recently established 15th Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow as co-leader with sister ship Parker.

Several of the British destroyers left their patrol positions on hearing the noise of the engagement with the hope of joining in, and while Grenville initially remained on station, the German ships managed to slip through.

[18][19][20] On the morning of 23 January, while the ships were preparing to return to port, a German submarine fired a torpedo at Grenville.

[25] Grenville remained part of the 15th Flotilla at the end of the war, and on 21 November 1918, helped to escort the German High Seas Fleet to the Firth of Forth prior to its internment at Scapa Flow.

[11][13] After repairs at Rosyth and Devonport in November–December 1919, Grenville deployed with the 4th Flotilla to the Baltic as part of the British intervention in the Russian Civil War, from December 1919 to February 1920.