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At Pontypridd Police-court this morning Evan Edwards, collier, who lodged at 37, Brynhyfryd-terrace, Ferndale, was brought up in custody on a charge of being a deserter from the South Wales Borderers. - Police-sergeant Richards, Ferndale, stated that prisoner deserted his regiment at Klerksdorp, South Africa, on June 1, 1902, the day after peace was declared. - Edwards admitted "he was the man," and he was ordered to be detained to await an escort.
Evening Express, Friday 26th March 1903


At the Barracks, Brecon, on Saturday, a District Court Martial sentence on Private E. Edwards, of the South Wales Borderers, was promulgated. Edwards was tried for desertion at Klerksdorp, South Africa, and the sentence, after confirmation by the officer commanding the Western District, was nine months' imprisonment, with three months remitted. Edwards is a Pontypridd man.
The Cardiff Times, Saturday 12th September 1903

I wonder how he managed to get back to Wales - worked his way back on boats perhaps.

5758 Pte E Edwards.

Papers survive; not the best soldier, enlisted 1897, deserted in March 1898, rejoined September 1899. Papers state he deserted 12 June, 1902. Rejoined awaiting trial 25th June, 1903, sentenced September to 9 months in prison. Discharged with ignominy later that month, all service forfeit.

His QSA was not returned to Woolwich until 1909, his KSA was never issued.

No doubt he worked his passage back, this was not uncommon.

The best story is of Henry Brummage who faked his death on deserting, was named on the regimental war memorial amongst the dead, but turned up in the UK some years later.