[7][8] Up to 85 long tons (86 t) of coal could be carried, giving a range of 1,555 nautical miles (2,880 km; 1,789 mi) at 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph).

[5][12] She arrived at Chatham Dockyard 18 September 1901 to be armed and prepared for sea trials,[13] during which she reached a speed of 30.346 knots (56.201 km/h; 34.922 mph).

[5] In May 1902 she received the officers and men from HMS Greyhound, and was commissioned by Commander Marcus Rowley Hill at Chatham for service with the Medway Instructional Flotilla.

[17] In 1910, Roebuck, commanded by Andrew Cunningham, later Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord, was part of the 4th Destroyer Flotilla based at Portsmouth.

[18] On 30 August 1912 the Admiralty directed all destroyers were to be grouped into classes designated by letters based on contract speed and appearance.