Thinking about it.......it could have been used for a pair of pliers or heavy scissors to remove the strapped (fixed) powder charge from a canister round when firing double canister. The second powder charge not "usually" left affixed to the canister round. Just my guess. My question is still....how big is the pocket? Is it on the flap (inside or out) or inside of the bag? On the front (flap side) or on the rear where it would be against No. 5's body? Now you have me really wondering. Number three usually carried a primer pouch and lanyard (in addition to his vent punch, priming wire, and gimlet), in the case of a "short crew"

Keith