I'm a tower controller.
While the phraseology isn't perfect, it seems unambiguous, and is ok, and clear.
IMO, you absolutely did the correct thing in commencing a hold without an onward clearance. To continue toward the airfield without a clearance to do so would be at best ok in the circumstances, (though illegal), and at worst give you a face full of aeroplane.
For the controller to berate you for doing it is incorrect, and possibly an indication that he was under more pressure than normal. No excuse, though.
Last edited by Tarq57; 15th August 2012 at 23:51.
Reason: typo