Hitler’s Bodyguard and Personal Valet Speaks – Karl Wilhelm Krause Interview

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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.

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In 1931, Karl 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.

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