Interview： Karl Wilhelm Krause - Hitlers Bodyguard and personal valet - WW2 Documentary

Karl Wilhelm Krause (born March 5, 1911, in Michelau, now Michale, Poland; died May 6, 2001) was an officer of the Waffen-SS during the Second World War. From 1934 to 1939, he served as Adolf Hitler’s valet.

In 1931, he joined the Reichsmarine. After the National Socialists seized power, Hitler personally selected him as his personal attendant in 1934. He held this position until September 1939. During the invasion of Poland, Krause had served Hitler Polish mineral water instead of the usual Fachinger medicinal water. Hitler accused Krause of attempting to poison him. A quarrel ensued between Krause and Hitler, which ultimately led to his dismissal. His successor was Heinz Linge.

Krause returned to the Kriegsmarine. However, after Hitler learned of the sinking of Krause’s warship — which Krause survived — he had Krause rehabilitated and transferred to the Reich Chancellery as an adjutant of the SS. Later, as an SS-Hauptsturmführer of the Waffen-SS, Krause participated in the war.

In 1945, Krause was arrested by the U.S. Army and was eventually released in 1946 after paying a fine of 7 marks.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction
00:55 Tell us briefly who you are, where you were born, and what you did before starting your service in Berlin.
04:07 We know from your book Ten Years as Hitler's Valet about your experiences in the navy and your later employment. Can you tell us more about that?
05:09 What impression did Hitler make on you as a young man?
07:17 Mr. Krause, how did the car rides with Hitler unfold?
08:19 What was discussed during these car rides?
10:05 Were there any breakdowns or incidents during these car rides that you remember?
11:13 What was your living situation like in the Reich Chancellery in Berlin?
13:14 Tell us about a typical daily routine in Berlin.
17:12 Were you present during the time of the Röhm Putsch?
17:25 Did Hitler ever talk about his youth in your presence?
20:06 How could you recognize different moods in Hitler?
21:42 Did you see any changes in Hitler’s mood when coming from Berlin to the Berghof?
22:28 Tell us generally about your impressions of the Berghof and how Hitler behaved there.
23:27 Did Hitler ever talk about martin Borman or mention him in your presence?
23:51 Tell us about the story with the passes. How did it come about?
25:46 Tell us about the Kehlsteinhaus.
26:54 Can you recall the first visit to the Kehlsteinhaus with Hitler?
27:58 Did Hitler consider the Kehlsteinhaus unsafe?
28:38 Tell us about the elevator in the Kehlsteinhaus.
29:21 Which person in Hitler’s circle did you find the most unpleasant or unsettling?
31:49 What do you think of the rumor that Hitler had a relationship with Leni Riefenstahl?
33:01 Do you believe that Hitler suffered from the death of Geli Raubal until the end of your service?
34:16 Which women, besides Eva Braun, did Hitler particularly value?
36:13 Do you know anything about hitlers alleged impotence?
38:51 What was your relationship with Eva Braun like?
42:18 How were you referred to by your comrades, and how did you get that nickname?
45:06 Can you tell us about significant events, such as the assassination attempt in the Bürgerbräukeller?
47:06 What was the dynamic with Martin Bormann like?
50:46 Which pistols did Hitler carry with him?
52:24 How did Christmas typically unfold?
54:00 Conclusion