How did fog and smoke affect tactics at the Battle of Jutland?

At the Battle of Jutland, fog and smoke significantly influenced tactical maneuvers and the ability of commanders to maintain contact with the enemy.

• Tactical Use of Smoke: When Admiral Reinhard Scheer needed to extricate the German High Seas Fleet from a perilous position after being caught in a British "T" formation, he ordered a 180-degree turn. To cover this retreat, German destroyers deployed thick smoke screens across their rear.12
• Impact on Visibility: The combination of worsening natural visibility and the dense smoke generated by the fleet left Admiral John Jellicoe in doubt regarding the German fleet's movements. By 6:45 pm, this lack of clarity caused the British to lose contact with the German forces.12
• Command Decisions: The "murk" and smoke frequently obscured the battlefield, complicating Jellicoe’s ability to track the enemy's course. This uncertainty, coupled with the fear of torpedo attacks from German destroyers hidden by the smoke, influenced Jellicoe to turn his fleet away during the battle's crisis, allowing the German fleet to escape.12