The Mk.Vb was produced in greater numbers than any other of the Spitfire marks and served in all theatres of war during World War II. Spitfire V's entered service with UK based fighter squadrons early in 1941 and provided escorts to daylight bombers as well as undertaking low-level fighter sweeps across occupied Europe.
From 1942 the Mk.V's began widespread service overseas, with Malta's defences being bolstered by three squadrons, while many more went to the Middle East for the build up of the Desert Air Force in the North African campaigns. Later the type was supplied to the Soviet Union, Portugal and Turkey.