Walter Kempowski, German historian

BERLIN - Walter Kempowski, a chronicler of German history best known for his books on World War II that drew on personal narratives, died Friday of cancer at a hospital in northwestern Germany. He was 78.

The tragedy of World War II, expulsion and displacement, and the tumultuous postwar years were themes that dominated his work. A passionate collector of dairies, memoirs, letters, and personal accounts, Mr. Kempowski became best known for his written collages of the works, including "German Chronicle," in addition to his autobiographical works.

Mr. Kempowski's best known book in Germany was the novel "Tadelloeser & Wolff," based on his experiences during World War II. It was later made into a movie.

He served in the Hitler Youth and also worked as a courier for the Luftwaffe in 1945.