- 1709 2 Feb Alexander Selkirk is rescued after four years on a Pacific island, the inspiration for 'Robinson Crusoe'.
- 1943 2 Feb Encircled German troops in Stalingrad surrender, ending one of the bloodiest battles in history.
- 1990 2 Feb South African President FW de Klerk begins to dismantle apartheid by permitting anti-apartheid groups.
World War One Centenary
- Find out more about how the BBC is covering the World War One Centenary, and see the latest programmes and online content
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