She was active during the Second World War, serving in convoy escort groups, and was a successful anti-submarine warfare vessel, being credited with the destruction of four U-boats.

With war in Europe looming she returned to Devonport in early 1939 for refit and for installation of her main armament and anti-aircraft guns.

[2] At the outbreak of hostilities in September 1939 Stork was still refitting; by November she had completed trials and was assigned to convoy escort duty in the North Sea, on the east coast routes.

In April 1940 Stork took part in the Norwegian Campaign and at Narvik came under air attack, assisting later in the rescue of survivors from the transport MS Chrobry.

In September 1940 Stork was damaged by air attack on an east coast convoy and spent the next six months in dock.