The SS-Kriegsberichter-Kompanie (SS War Reporter Company) originated in January 1940 with an original formation of four platoons of war correspondents and their support staff. The platoons were able to operate independently of each other, each equipped with still and movie cameras to enable to units to visually document the actions of Waffen-SS men in combat. The platoons remained attached to the SS combat units during the campaigns in the Balkans, taking many famous photographs, including that of SS-Standartenführer Kurt Meyer at the battle for the Kleisoura Pass.