Gorringe first trained as an observer and flew manning the observer's gun in a
Sopwith 1½ Strutter with 43 Squadron in 1917. From there, he progressed to pilot's training at Hendon, receiving
Aero Club certificate # 5035 on 29 July 1917. Once qualified to fly a
Sopwith Camel, he was posted to Nol 70 Squadron RAF|No. 70 Squadron RFC. On 7 November 1917, he scored his first win; at the end of the year, on 28 December, he became an ace. He had driven down an enemy reconnaissance plane out of control, captured another, teamed with
Frank Granger Quigley to set an
Albatros D.V, and destroyed two other recce planes. He began the new year by helping to flame another recce plane; by 18 February 1918, on which date he burned one Albatros D.V and destroyed another, he had run his total to 14. His final tally was six planes set afire, five otherwise destroyed, two driven down out of control, and one captured. His Military Cross was gazetted on 16 August 1918. He was then returned to
Home Establishment for a bit, not returning to action until 25 October 1918. In the waning days of the war, Gorringe flew ground attack sorties as a
Flight Commander in 210 Squadron. On 9 November 1918, he actually landed just behind advancing friendly troops to brief them on the defenses they now faced. He won a Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions. ==Postwar career==