Long Zainal Abidin was born on 24th February 1913. He attended Malay and English schools and obtained a certificate from the Government Trade School in 1935.

A year later, he joined the JMF as a Cadet Officer. At the beginning of WW ll, he and the other officers and men of the JMF assisted the British in constructing defences at the airstrips in Tanjung Labuh, Batu Pahat and Kluang. He was appointed the Colour Officer at ceremonial parades. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1958, which he served until his retirement in 1968.

References:

1. 1. National Archives of Malaysia, Johor Branch, EXHIBITION BOOK ON THE OCCASION OF THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF THE ROYAL JOHOR MILITARY FORCE 1886 – 1986 AT THE JUBLI INTAN HALL, JOHOR BAHRU, ON THE 19th & 22nd OF AUGUST 1986.

   2. JMF Headquarters.