Well before the end of the Raj there was a strong tendency to use old English sayings. This seems to have persisted while fading away in the UK during my lifetime.
The ATC guy was in a difficult situation. Having gone as far as he did, the next step would have been to tell the captain how to do his job. He of course has the right to do this in extreme situations, but then there's the delay due to an almost disabling feeling of disbelief.
The wheels being down for a first touch? I doubt that. The potential and kinetic energies were so great that the first tug on the stick would have seen them climbing sharply. Also the time to 4,500' feet down the runway from at least 1,500' would not have seen the gear stowed and doors safely back up.