Thanks Dave and Rob,
I neglected to mention in my post that the camper is an automatic... but
never mind, as my starter is now sitting on the bench in my garage.
Seems the DPO (GDPO?) had been quite liberal in applying the gasket
maker, silicone, contact cement, tar, etc., between the starter and
transmission.  I was not being forceful enough, for a long enough
period. Ten minutes of light taps, while my mitts blew away, and the
thing fell off, crushing a minor digit.

Great stuff these VW's.  Time to go test my starter.

Cheers & thanks,
Bob Norman
'81 Westy
Gander, Newfoundland
Canada