Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb Fighter Aircraft “EP120, Flight Lieutenant James ‘Jeff’ Northcott, No. 402 City of Winnipeg Squadron” (1943-1944) Royal Canadian Air Force 1/72 Diecast Model Airplane by Legion

Product Description

HISTORY ASPECTS:
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb EP120 was a combat veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, closely associated with No. 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron during the critical air fighting of World War II. The Mk.Vb variant represented a major step in the Spitfire’s evolution, offering improved performance and heavier armament to counter increasingly capable Luftwaffe fighters. EP120 operated during a period when Allied air forces were transitioning from defensive operations over Britain to sustained offensive sweeps over occupied Europe.
The aircraft is linked to Flight Lieutenant James “Jeff” Northcott, one of Canada’s notable fighter aces, credited with 8.5 aerial victories. Serving with No. 402 Squadron, Northcott and his fellow pilots flew demanding missions that included fighter sweeps, bomber escort, and air superiority patrols. These operations formed part of the broader air conflict of World War II, particularly the campaign to wear down German fighter strength ahead of major Allied offensives such as the invasion of Normandy. EP120’s service reflects the growing confidence and effectiveness of Commonwealth fighter units during 1943 and 1944.
No. 402 Squadron, operating from bases in the United Kingdom, played an active role in the air war over Western Europe. The squadron engaged Luftwaffe aircraft during “Circus” and “Rodeo” missions, which were designed to draw German fighters into combat and weaken their ability to resist Allied strategic bombing. Aircraft like EP120 were also involved in protecting Allied bombers attacking targets in France and the Low Countries, contributing directly to the Allied air superiority that proved decisive later in the war.
Today, Spitfire Mk.Vb EP120 is preserved by The Fighter Collection at Duxford, where it stands as a flying reminder of the RCAF’s contribution to World War II and the skill of pilots like Jeff Northcott.
This 1:72 scale model captures the historic markings and character of a true combat-tested Spitfire, making it an excellent addition for collectors who value authentic wartime aircraft with a strong personal and squadron legacy.