He grew up in Ljan (until 1948 a part of Aker) together with later resistance ace Max Manus. The two participated as volunteers in the Winter War, on the Finnish side. When Germany invaded and occupied Norway in 1940, Lauring and Manus returned to Norway. They first participated in the Norwegian Campaign, where Lauring was taken prisoner-of-war at Akershus Fortress in the early phase. Lauring could be facing a death penalty, but then Germany released the prisoners-of-war to gain acceptance for their occupation. Lauring and Manus then travelled north together, attempting to reach the Battles of Narvik via Sweden. However, Norway capitulated before they could reach the northern front lines. Instead the two joined the secret resistance movement.