Educated at Pembroke Grammar from 1952 to 1959 and following a 2(1) degree in Modern History and Politics from the University of Wales (Swansea), Crotty joined the Royal Air Force in 1962[3] and trained at RAF Jurby and RAF Kirton in Lindsey.
Next Crotty was selected to attend RAF Staff College, Bracknell to complete a one-year course.
Following this, Crotty was promoted to Wing Commander, aged 36 at RAF Harrogate, where he served as a Director of Supply Management.
During this time Crotty also served as President of the Royal Air Force Association Wales for 7 years.
Following his retirement from the Royal Air Force in 1995,[2] Crotty joined Lucas Aerospace as Director of the London office.