"codrington" was a flotilla leader and therefore larger than the other a-class destroyers. her bridge structure was larger to provide the additional accommodation required for the flotilla staff. she displaced with an overall length of , a beam of and a draught of . she was fitted with turbine machinery giving a speed of on trials carried out in february 1930. some smaller weapons were fitted for use against aircraft. the ship had two quadruple torpedo tube mountings and for attacks on submarines was fitted with four depth charge chutes and two throwers, and an additional gun fitted between the two funnels. she spent a period in the reserve at devonport naval base, but was refitted in 1938, being recommissioned on completion of the refit in august 1939 in time to participate in the second world war.