Full summary of tape 1 interview with Heinrich Krappen by David Mathias, 1980s.
Duration: 00:59:46

[Due to the quality of the original recordings, originally made on portable cassette recorders in the 1980s, the recording has been heavily processed to enhance the voices captured. In some cases, information is unintelligible. Some inaccuracies and translation errors may remain in the information provided - summary created July 2025]

Tape 1 Side 1
 

00:00:00

Introductions made and consent to be recorded and questioned about past experiences. There’s acknowledgment that the veteran has not directly interacted with the English during the war.

00:02:30

The veteran expresses a patriotic attitude; his father fought in the 1870–71 Franco-Prussian War. He describes being influenced by national sentiment and family tradition.

00:04:00

He recounts his time during WWI, mentioning key events and places (like Arras and Normandy). His brother died during the war, possibly near Normandy.

00:05:00

The veteran recalls seeing French soldiers in blue uniforms but expresses he never fired on them without direct cause. He emphasizes a shared humanity with enemy soldiers, stating neither he nor the French soldier had done each other harm.

00:06:00

Describes use of machine guns and how they were positioned for crossfire. Discusses encounters with French troops and how they handled captured soldiers—some officers remained standing rather than lying down for cover, showing pride or defiance. He reflects on the unnecessary killing and violence in war. He rejects hatred and distances himself from political ideologies.

00:10:00

French aircraft dropped propaganda leaflets urging German soldiers to defect by saying "Republic" — promising humane treatment. The speaker reflects that this was considered shameful or deceitful.

00:11:00

A lieutenant inspects the trench just before a brutal artillery barrage begins. He describes the artillery attack and the chaos that followed. The veteran describes it as apocalyptic, with the ground shaking and tunnels collapsing.

00:13:00

The speaker escapes from a nearly destroyed tunnel. Outside, he sees numerous dead soldiers — vivid imagery of the battlefield aftermath. Initially disoriented, he encounters German soldiers again and returns to the front. He performs aid-related tasks and hears about snipers nearby.

00:16:00

He accidentally runs into three French soldiers — they don't shoot, and he escapes. The moment is tense, but also surreal in its restraint.

00:17:30

The German position is overrun. He retreats under fire, dodging bullets and debris. Claims the French penetrated up to 6 kilometres into German lines.

00:19:30

The veteran insists he was no defector, despite being unarmed. He says he would have fought to the last bullet if necessary.

00:20:30

He recalls how important discipline was — he would've corrected sloppy handling of weapons. Grenades and fear are discussed more personally.

00:22:00: Observation Balloons and Surveillance. Mentions French surveillance balloons and witnessing one being shot down, with a parachutist bailing out.

00:24:30

He confirms that near the end of the war, morale and structure were crumbling. Entire companies were being wiped out quickly — he stayed active until the end.

00:25:00

The veteran discusses losses in his company, having only two machine guns left, and no reinforcements.

00:26:00:

Differentiates between light and heavy machine guns (with water cooling) and notes the infantry did not carry the same heavy weapons.

00:27:00

Mentions their unit number was 814, operated independently, not with infantry, assigned by location.

00:28:00

Their role was support, staying behind the front lines for covering fire rather than direct assaults.

00:29:30

Recounts time in a forested area with two machine guns, avoiding detection by the French.
 

Tape 1 Side 2

00:30:30

Discusses the ruins of Maria and battles in Champagne, noting destruction of local infrastructure.

00:31:30

Confirms it occurred in Spring 1918, amid French-German fighting in the Champagne region.

00:32:30

Describes conscription in September 1917, training in Elsenborn (modern Belgium), and movement to Brussels.

00:34:00

First front deployment was in January 1918, near Hartmannsweilerkopf (Alsace), after unloading near Colmar.

00:35:50

Describes marching to Cours, extreme fatigue, and being told to prepare for night combat with the French.

00:38:00

Vivid recollection of heavy fighting at Hartmannsweilerkopf, trench digging, tunnel warfare using crowbars and primitive lighting.

00:40:14

Description of improvised explosives, fieldwork, and early trench warfare, including proximity to French lines.

00:42:44

Emotional resilience in the war’s early days; few casualties initially. Mental attitude—detachment and survival instinct; mother’s stoicism.

00:46:08

First-hand account of witnessing V2 rocket launches at Peenemünde; describes the sound and impact of ‘rushing wind’.

00:47:40

Experience with Italian forced labourers; casual mention of Wernher von Braun; insights into civilian-scientist relations in military sites.

00:51:11

Conscription without proper military induction; stationed near Austrian border; idle time and confusion.

00:54:16

Loading artillery under pressure; technical problems and stress in combat.

00:58:24

Ends with reflection on evacuation under attack and a comment about seeking peace.