The Patrol Wing 2 War Diary for July 1942 describes the a/c as a B-17D model. See
https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1339...objectPage=107 and following page.
Given the fact that more B-17s were on their way, lost a/c part of a general "secret" ferry flight?
Bios of other missing men provide no conclusive answers as to the ID of B-17.
Leendert