on completion of the refit, she joined the flotilla at harwich on 6 march and began convoy defence and patrol duties in the north sea. in april, she was transferred for detached service with the home fleet after the german invasion of norway. on 7 april, "codrington" was deployed with the destroyers , , , , "brazen", , , and as a screen for the battleships and , the battlecruiser and the french light cruiser . the fleet was to cover planned operations off norway, including operation rupert, a minelaying mission to prevent german ships carrying iron ore. the operation was overtaken though by the sudden german invasion the following day on 8 april. "codrington" came under air attack on 9 april whilst with the fleet, and was detached to return to sullom voe for refuelling.