Franciszek Surma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franciszek Surma
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|---|---|
| Born | 1 July 1916 Głębocz German Empire (present-day Poland) |
| Died | 8 November 1941 (aged 25) UK |
| Allegiance |  Poland United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Polish Air Force Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1932–1941 |
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Service number | 76713 |
| Unit | Polish 121st Fighter Escadrille No. 151 Squadron RAF No. 607 Squadron RAF No. 257 Squadron RAF No. 242 Squadron RAF No. 308 Polish Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Polish Defensive War, World War II |
| Awards | Virtuti Militari; Cross of Valour |
Franciszek Surma (born July 1, 1916 – died November 8, 1941) was a brave Polish fighter ace during World War II. He was a pilot in the Polish Air Force and later fought with the British Royal Air Force (RAF). He was known for shooting down 5 enemy planes, which earned him the title of "ace."
Contents
A Young Pilot's Journey
Franciszek Surma was born in Głębocz, a place that is now part of Gołkowice in Poland. His parents were Franciszek and Tekla Surma. When he was 16, in 1932, he joined the Cadets Corps in Różan. This was a special school for young people who wanted to join the military.
Four years later, in 1936, he was accepted into the Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin. This is where he learned to fly and became a skilled pilot. On June 15, 1939, he was assigned to the Polish 121st Fighter Escadrille (a type of squadron) in Cracow.
Fighting in World War II
When World War II began in September 1939, Germany invaded Poland. This event is known as the September Campaign or Polish Defensive War. After the fighting in Poland, Franciszek Surma had to leave his home country. He traveled through Romania and Lebanon before finally reaching Britain.
In Britain, he received more training at No. 56 OTU. Soon after, he joined No. 151 Squadron RAF and took part in the famous Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle where British pilots defended their country from German attacks.
On September 11, 1940, he moved to No. 607 Squadron RAF. Just 15 days later, on September 26, he successfully shot down a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 plane. This was his first confirmed victory!
More Air Battles and Daring Escapes
Franciszek Surma continued to fly in many dangerous missions. On October 21, he was transferred to No. 257 Squadron RAF. A week later, he damaged a German Heinkel He 111 bomber. However, his own plane was hit, and he had to bail out (jump out with a parachute) to save himself.
From December 12, he served with No. 242 Squadron RAF. Then, on March 3, 1941, he joined the No. 308 Polish Fighter Squadron. This was a squadron made up of Polish pilots fighting alongside the British.
On May 11, 1941, while flying over Great Malvern, his Supermarine Spitfire plane was hit again and caught fire. Once more, Surma had to parachute to safety. He was a very lucky pilot to survive two such incidents!
Between July 22 and October 12, 1941, he showed his amazing skill by shooting down four more German Bf 109 planes. This brought his total confirmed victories to five, making him a true "fighter ace."
His Final Flight
On November 8, 1941, Franciszek Surma was on a mission to protect bombers near Dunkirk, France. During a fight with German Messerschmitt Bf 109s, he became separated from his squadron. He never returned from this mission, and his body was never found. It is believed he was hit by anti-aircraft fire from the ground, known as flak.
Franciszek Surma was a brave pilot who gave his life fighting for freedom during World War II. To honor him, the school in Gołkowice, his hometown, was named after him on May 25, 2002.
His Victories in the Air
Here are the enemy planes Franciszek Surma was credited with shooting down or damaging:
- August 30, 1940 - Heinkel He 111 (probably destroyed)
- September 26, 1940 - Messerschmitt Bf 109
- October 29, 1940 - Heinkel He 111 (damaged)
- March 26, 1941 - 1/3 Junkers Ju 88 (probably destroyed)
- July 22, 1941 - Messerschmitt Bf 109
- September 16, 1941 - Messerschmitt Bf 109
- September 20, 1941 - Messerschmitt Bf 109 (and one probably destroyed)
- September 27, 1941 - Messerschmitt Bf 109 (probably destroyed)
- October 12, 1941 - Messerschmitt Bf 109
Awards and Recognition
Franciszek Surma was recognized for his bravery and skill with several important military awards:
Virtuti Militari, Silver Cross: This is one of Poland's highest military honors, given for outstanding bravery in the face of the enemy.
Cross of Valour (Poland), three times: This Polish military decoration is awarded for acts of bravery and courage on the battlefield. Franciszek Surma received it three times, showing his repeated acts of heroism.
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