[5] The ship's machinery was based on that of the R-class destroyers,[6] with three Yarrow boilers feeding Brown-Curtiss geared steam turbines which drove two propeller shafts.

A maximum of 367 tons of fuel oil could be carried, giving a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km; 4,000 mi) at a speed of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

[9] On completion, Valentine served with the Grand Fleet, as part of the 13th Destroyer Flotilla and the 6th Light Cruiser Squadron.

An attempt by Valentine and the destroyer Vanquisher to carry out a torpedo attack on German cruisers proved unsuccessful.

[10][9][16] In September 1928, Valentine formed part of an Asdic-equipped anti-submarine screen of four destroyers protecting the capital ships of the Mediterranean Fleet during Exercise NX.

[18] Valentine joined the 6th Destroyer Flotilla of the Home Fleet in July 1932, where she served until she went into reserve at Devonport in November 1934.

[9] In 1936, the Admiralty recognised that the Royal Navy had a shortage of escort ships with good anti-aircraft armament, suitable for operations along the East coast of the Great Britain.

[19][20] Valentine was selected as one of the destroyers to undergo the Wair conversion, being converted at Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth between June 1939 and 23 April 1940.

[4] Valentine was one of four destroyers deployed to the Scheldt estuary to support demolition operations and the evacuation of shipping from Antwerp.