In 1932 he entered the Cadets Corps in Różan, four years later he was admitted to the Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin.

On 15 June 1939 Surma was posted to the Polish 121st Fighter Escadrille in Kraków.

After the September Campaign he crossed the border with Romania, then he was evacuated to France via Liban and finally he reached Britain.

257 Squadron RAF, one week later he damaged a Heinkel He 111 but was hit himself managing to bale out by parachute.

On 8 November escorting bombers near Dunkirk Surma engaged Messerschmitt Bf 109's, during the fight he broke away from his squadron and never returned.