Published: 30 December 2010
Last Updated: 17 May 2013
The SS-Totenkopf-Standarte 4 Ostmark was formed at the Mauthausen camp near Linz, Austria, in September 1938. During the 1938 Reichsparteitag the unit received its Deutschland Erwache standard.
A sturmbann attached to this unit was formed in Berlin October 1938, SS-Sturmbann Götze. This was however made an independent unit July 1939 and moved to Danzig were it was used to form SS-Heimwehr-Danzig.
Ostmark was transferred to Prague in Octoner 1939 were it relieved SS-Standarte Der Führer which was made a part of SS-Verfügungs Division.
It was transferred to Holland June 1940 for use in the costal defense.
It was redesignated SS-Infanterie-Regiment 4 Ostmark February 1941 and attached to 2. SS-Infanterie Brigade.
Commanders
SS-Standartenführer Otto Reich (1 Apr 1938 – 1 Dec 1940)
SS-Standartenführer Gottfried Klingemann (1 Dec 1940 – 25 Feb 1941)
Manpower strength
July 1940 2.935
Order of battle
Stab
I. Stuba
II. Stuba
Nachrichten-Hundertschaft
Insignia
A cuff title with the text “Ostmark” was authorized for this unit.
Sources used
John R. Angolia – Cloth Insignia of the SS
Dr. K-G Klietmann – Die Waffen-SS: eine Dokumentation
Kurt Mehner – Die Waffen-SS und Polizei 1939-1945
Andrew Mollo – Uniforms of the SS: Collected Edition
Jacek Solarz – Totenkopf 1939-1943
Ulrich of England & Otto Spronk – Deutschland Erwache: History & Development of the Nazi Party and the “Germany Awake” Standards
Reference material on this unit
– None known at this time –
